Calderon orders Cordillera cops: Settle tribal wars

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Strategies for settlement and stop of tribal wars or conflicts are now being firmed up by the new leadership of Cordillera police following an order from Philippine National Police chief Director-General Oscar C. Calderon here.

Calderon said here last week immediate settlement of tribal conflicts and other hindrances to peace and order was needed so economic development of rural communities would be hastened.

Calderon also called on regional police to establish stronger community relations with stakeholders of peace to ensure attainment of the PNP’s vision and mission of protecting the people from evil elements of society.

The PNP chief presided over the turnover of command between retiring Chief Supt. Raul S. Gonzales, outgoing regional police director, and Chief Supt. Eugene G. Martin, incoming regional director.

He also directed Martin to supervise peacekeeping efforts of the PNP in the conflict-stricken province of Abra saying lasting peace could be attained due to commitment of local officials there to prioritize peace and order in the province.

Martin said Cordillera police would strengthen PNP community relations, investigation, intelligence and operation to achieve a wholesome atmosphere for the people of the region.

Gonzales, a member of Class 1975 of the Philippine Military Academy, served the Cordillera police for one year and six months while Martin, who is a member of PMA Class 1977, was the former deputy regional director of the PRO-CAR and the former head of the Task Force Abra.

Calderon said the installation of a true-blooded Cordilleran to the PNP hierarchy in the region is a big boost to the PNP’s peacekeeping efforts especially in culture-related conflicts.

On the Abra problem, Martin said he saw no urgent cause to institute radical reforms in the present set up but there was need to strengthen police visibility in different parts of the province to ensure that people are protected from the evil motives of unscrupulous individuals.

Aside from the settlement of tribal conflicts, Calderon also encouraged local police to combat the growing insurgency problem in far flung communities as well as the proliferation of private armed groups in Abra. – Dexter A. See