THE Peace and Order Council (POC) of Mabalacat City has allocated P9.6 million for the local government’s drive against illegal drugs and criminality.
During the first quarter joint meeting of the POC, City Drug Abuse Council and City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office last February 27, the council passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Crisostomo Garbo to utilize the confidential funds for this year under the Peace and Order and Public Safety plan of the city.
The City Government has allotted 30 percent of the total amount of its POC program’s maintenance and other operating expenses for confidential funds amounting to P9.6 million, said City Administrator Rosano Paquia.
The Garbo administration, Paquia said, intends to utilize the confidential funds for the implementation of different confidential peace and order activities.
Garbo has vowed to work for improvement of the city. He also instructed concerned department, particularly the law enforcement group, to intensify their operations related to peace and order and anti-drug campaign.
The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of Senior Superintendent Ruel Cagape, presented the city’s current peace and order status and drug situation.
The Bureau of Fire Protection, for its part, informed the council about fire department’s program during the Fire Prevention Month of March and the Summer Vacation.
The city’s barangay chairman, led by Dau village chief Oscar Aurelio, and the department heads attended the council meeting.
Also present during the joint meeting was Retired Police Director Rene Ong, the city’s consultant on peace and order.