President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tasked all regional peace and order councils in the country to address cases of political violence and illegal drug trade in their areas, said Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Lacson chairs the RPOC in Western Visayas.
The governor, who attended the 1st Joint National Peace and Order Council and RPOC meeting in Malacañang April 18, however, said on Wednesday, April 19, that Marcos did not specify the areas where cases of political violence are rampant, and where the illegal drug trade is prevalent.
The call of the president to address political violence comes on the heels of the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, whose political rivals are being linked to his death.
Marcos disclosed during the meeting also attended by Vice President Sara Duterte and Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos that political violence and illegal drug trade are the two biggest concerns that threaten the peace and order in the country.
The Philippine National Police earlier said that 49 of its members will be charged for allegedly acting “for their own gain and interest” in the seizure of 900 kilos of shabu from a former police officer, who was released after his arrest.
In his speech during the joint NPOC and RPOC meeting, Marcos noted the increasing violent activities after the May elections last year.
“The other overwhelming problem confronting the country today when it comes to peace and order is violence perpetrated by drug syndicates quarrelling over territory with the involvement of some members of the police force,” Marcos said.
As Western Visayas RPOC chairperson, Lacson said it is imperative for the PNP, especially Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, police regional director, to be updated on the situation in the region, and to give assurance that the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October will be peaceful./GB
