Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Oil spill helped in decline of criminality: Barias
By Ruby P. Silubrico
POLICE Regional Director Geary Barias said Tuesday that despite the damage caused by the oil spill in some areas of Guimaras, it helped in the decline of criminality in the area.
"No petty crimes have been noticed since the start of the oil spill. Guimaras is really a peaceful place," Barias said.
He added that because of the immediate response of Petron Philippines and local government units with the "Food for Work" program, the residents, including teens and bystanders, are kept busy.
"Instead of having a drinking session during their free time, they are in seashore to work and earn money and it really help our bystanders," Barias added.
As chairman of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) in the region, he believes that Guimaras can recover faster and come out stronger through the help of the community and national, local government and international help.
"Oil spill is now the focus of international communities on how the country copes with this disaster. This is so far the biggest oil spill in the country and the response of the community is very spectacular. We are now rediscovering that Guimaras is a peaceful province," he said.
Meanwhile, several police personnel and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are being sent to the area to help the local government units in repackaging goods assistance and cleaning the affected areas.
Barias said more assistance coming from various sectors and other countries are still coming in "as we now focus on how to salvage the sunken Motor Tanker Solar I."
(August 30, 2006 issue)
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