ORMOC Mayor Richard Gomez has assured the public of the city’s security and continued development amid the death of one suspected terrorist in a joint police and military operation on November 22.
“We work very hard to improve the lives of our people, beginning with making the city the safest in the country for two years in a row now. Because security is a basic need. Your government must make that a priority, your mayor has made that a priority,” Gomez said on Friday, November 23.
In his Thanksgiving Day message, Gomez said his administration remains “focused and committed to the task of bringing Ormoc to a higher level.”
“Ormoc is the first city in the region to be declared drug-free, it is now the richest in Eastern Visayas, and we continue to reinforce those milestones via continued infrastructure developments and many other programs aimed to holistically make our corner of the world not just better, but the best that it can be,” he added.
While he acknowledged the oppositions in the midst of his work, Gomez thanked his constituents “for the trust and confidence you have given me as your mayor.”
“As for me and my team, we shall focus on the task at hand, as always giving our all in all. Public service is a privilege and an honor that I cherish and respect,” he said.
Gomez also lauded the support given by the public to his wife, Leyte Fourth District Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez.
“There are so many more things that need to be done, so much more to achieve and accomplish in building this city,” he said.
For his message to the detractors, Gomez said: “Bahala ka na Lord sa mga taong pilit na nainira at nagsisinungaling. This battle is yours to fight, and win, in your mighty name.”
Gomez then urged the public to “be active members of society and the community”
“Help in whatever way you can,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ormoc businesswoman Lalaine Marcos said the killing of the suspected terrorist Joseph Anulga Jr., alias Dawud, “reinforces that Ormoc is indeed safe because criminals are caught or killed.”
"I think Ormoc has nothing to worry about the incident," she told Sunstar Philippines.
"This shows that our Army and Philippine National Police are getting A-1 intel, that is why the alleged Isis member was caught. We are very proud that Ormoc is the safest city in the Philippines and want to keep it that way,” said Marcos, who is also an official of the Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay.
The businesswoman, however, reminded the residents to be vigilant and cooperate with the authorities if they see something strange or unexplained presence of strangers in the community.
Superintendent Ma Bella Rentuaya, police spokesperson in Eastern Visayas, said Anulga resisted arrest during an operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in connection with his gunrunning activities.
Recovered from Anulga were two units of caliber .45 pistol, one improvised explosive device, and one motorcycle. (SunStar Philippines)