ILOILO CITY — Iloilo’s local government units (LGUs) are supportive of the Community and Service-Oriented Policing of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said Governor Arthur Defensor.
Defensor on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Police Commission in Western Visayas (Napolcom-6), Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), local chief executives of 22 Iloilo towns, chiefs of police and community representatives on the community and service-oriented policing, marking the 23rd Police and Community Relations Month celebration.
Among those who signed the MOA were Defensor, Napolcom-6 Regional Director Joseph Celis, and IPPO provincial director, Senior Supt. Marlon Tayaba.
In his regular press conference on Thursday, Defensor noted the “fantastic” support of the towns in the province towards the program.
“What is important is their commitment to ensure the success of the program,” he said.
Defensor said the protection of environment and improvement of security in every community in the entire province is among the program’s thrusts.
He noted that the role of the local government unit and the community is vital towards achieving peace and order in the province. “It will not be successful if it will not be given attention and proper care of the local leadership,” he said.
The MOA identifies initiatives on systems improvement through different programs, such as Ilonggo’s Run Against Illegal Drugs (IRAID), Ilonggo’s Drug Awareness Reduction and Education (I.D.A.R.E) to RUN, Aeta’s empowerment/Aeta’s Community Support Program, and Extended Family Program.
Defensor assured that they will conduct more programs to further maintain the peace and order in the province.
“The local government unit and the police will work hand in hand with each other so they will be helping each other in many aspects of governance and community work,” he said. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
