TAGBILARAN CITY -- The overwhelming trust of Boholanos on the Philippine Army will serve as an inspiration for the military to do better in protecting the people and keeping the peace and order in the province.
Lt. Col. Eufracio Malig Jr. of the Army's 47th Infantry Battalion, the lone battalion stationed in Bohol, on Thursday afternoon said the trust and confidence of the Boholanos will push the Army, together with the police, to serve and be more zealous in keeping the peace.
Speaking on the sideline of the regional launch of the National Crime Prevention Week at the Bohol Cultural Center, he added that it does not mean the Army will rest on its laurels.
The trust, he said, also means the Boholanos appreciate the efforts of the military especially in fighting lawless elements such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who infiltrated the province last April.
Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, during the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, cited the Army and the police for the high trust ratings given by the respondents of a Bohol Poll. The poll results were released early this month.
He said the security forces here are enjoying high trust from the people due to their ability to keep the peace and order.
An overwhelming majority, or about 87 percent, of Boholanos said they were satisfied by the efforts of the military in the fight against the ASG.
Majority of Boholanos also said they have "much trust" on the PNP with a +62 percent net satisfaction rating.
The Bohol Poll was a survey conducted by the Holy Name University to find out the general sentiments of Boholanos on certain issues and personalities in the province.
Meanwhile, a posthumous citation and cash assistance were given to the family of PO2 Rey Anthony Nazareno, one of the fatalities during the initial skirmish between government forces and the ASG in Inabanga, Bohol last April. (Dave S. Albarado/PNA)
