DavOr guv for strengthened efforts on law enforcement, peacekeeping

DAVAO ORIENTAL (Jan. 19)—To further strengthen the enforcement of peace and order here in the province, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, during the traditional New Year’s Courtesy Call paid by top officials of the police forces and the military, took the occasion of raising her concerns of beefing up efforts in fighting criminality and securing peace.

“We must remain vigilant and determined to make sure that our hard-won gains in peace and stability of the province are sustained,” told Governor Malanyaon to peacekeeping officers and law enforcers,duringa New Year’s call at the Provincial Capitol in Mati City.

During the call, the governor exhorted officers of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for unity and to continue harmonizing all their development directions to the provincial agenda. “I want all agencies, particularly from the national, to interface their programs with the government directions, especially those set by the provincial government,” she said, noting that development will not prosper if involved parties will go in different directions.

Governor Malanyaon underlined to the police and military that they play a big role in the province’s law and order, especially now that the Provincial Government is gearing up to kick-start the province’s tourism industry as it now aggressively promotes the province as a premier tourist destination.

She underscored peace and order as very important key in tourism promotion. She said that issues involving security have always been crucial condition for travel and tourism and that compromise in this security will pose negative impacts in the local tourism industry.

Meanwhile, highlighting criminalities, she told police officers, led by Police Senior Superintendent Jose C. Carmuba, Provincial Director of the Philippine National Police, to take more measures in fighting the escalating crimes, particularly the unabated riots and gang wars, traffic violations, and increasing number of petty crimes, among others.

Governor Malanyaon underlined the need to ensure that actions are taken to combat crimes and one is by increasing police visibility in schools and public areas.

Further, Governor Malanyaondeplored the alarming increase of the illegal drug trade, which apparently becomes a problem anywhere around the country. She emphasized further the provincial government’s abhorrence towards police involvement on illegal drugs, noting it as ‘unacceptable’. “A police involved in drugs is the worst thing that could happen in the police force,” she stressed.

She further underscored to the officers the need to make good impression to the public by giving premium to proper decorum, especially in terms of wearing official attire and the right conduct towards clients. 

The Governor said there is a need to exemplify good practices in order to create a new image for the force, noting public perception as very important.

She urged the officers to ‘show a leadership by example’ no matter how small the unit they hold. “By exhibiting good practice, only then youcan influence your own community,” said the governor. “Set yourself as good example and later the rest will follow, “she added.

While Davao Oriental is already known to have achieved milestones in governance as well as in socio-economic development, Gov. Malanyaon called for strong commitment in sustaining the gains particularly in law enforcement. (PIO DO)