STA. CRUZ, Laguna – The fight against illegal drugs is still a long journey to go especially in Laguna, Police Regional Office (PRO4A) Calabarzon Regional Director Chief Supt. Edward Carranza said over the weekend.
Carranza graced the day-long “Laguna Anti-Illegal Drug Summit and Orientation” for Barangay Chairpersons and Concerned Agencies held on Oct. 19 at the Laguna Provincial Capitol Cultural Center in this Laguna capital town.
He was among the speakers on the various topics in the summit, which tackled Drug Clearing, Enhanced-Comprehensive Livelihood Integrated Program (E-CLIP), Republic Act 10591 or the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act” on the police drive against loose firearms and the Community Mobilization Project (CMP).
He said that the police war on drugs still needs to be intensified “because out of 671 barangays in the province of Laguna, there are only 175 that are cleared”.
He added that while four barangays remain unaffected, the reality is that 502 more barangays are still affected.
“But if everybody is helping and work hand in hand with the police, barangay leaders, Local Government Executives (LCEs) and other officials and the community through the CMP, then the daunting task of eradicating drugs in the barangays is possible.
“Nanawagan po ako sa inyong buong supporta sa aming kapulisan laban sa illegal na droga at pagpapanatili ng katahimikan at kapayapaan (I’m asking for your support against illegal drugs and to maintain peace and order (I am calling on your full support to our police force against illegal drugs and ensure the peace and order in our communities),” Carranza urged.
He also lauded the barangay chairpersons as frontliners and “as partners of the PNP against criminality, illegal drugs and terrorism.”
Carranza also instructed the various Calabarzon chiefs of police to closely coordinate with barangay executives and allow them to bring firearms, most especially for the coming campaign period, subject to the poll body’s gun ban and certain conditions.
He said barangay officials are allowed under Section 9 of the Local Government Code to carry firearms in the performance of their oath and duties and for their safety and security.
He said the village leaders could be issued a provisionary License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) with a condition that they are not included on a drug watch list, that they are not drug protectors and that they have valid firearms license.
He also enjoined the barangay and community leaders here to support the Calabarzon police force implementation of Republic Act 8491 otherwise known as "The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines".
He said his directives to the police in the region are aimed at highlighting the importance of complying, abiding and conforming to standard expression of respect and obedience as prescribed by law.
He recalled the time when every Filipino used to stop at attention and halt their chores momentarily to pay respect to the Philippine Flag as the country’s official symbol while the Philippine National Anthem is played.
“It's high time to show our patriotism again. The PNP now is implementing “OPLAN BANDILA” and we want you to be our partners in dealing with compliance to the law among constituents in your various communities," Carranza said.
The summit earned positive reactions from the barangay leaders who committed to do their share and support to the police as law enforcers in their own capacity. (Sol Luzano/PNA)
