Gov. Marcos cites Ilocos Norte PNP for peaceful polls

By Jennifer Pambid

LAOAG CITY -- The Ilocos Norte police force was honored by Gov. Imee Marcos Tuesday “for outstanding performance in ensuring a secure, safe and fair conduct of the national and local elections.”

Led by provincial police Director Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., 12 top rank officials and 23 chiefs of police from every city and municipal police station received certificates of recognition and cash incentives during inauguration of new provincial officials of Ilocos Norte here at the Plaza Del Norte Convention Center.

In her speech after her oath-taking, Marcos lauded local police force for achieving zero shooting incident in Ilocos Norte during the election period.

        “It is the first in the history of Ilocandia that not a single shooting incident occurred and it is the most peaceful election ever recorded,” Marcos said.

Recently, she urged local officials to remain true to their commitment in government service, saying peace and order is essential to overall development.

Marcos also expressed full support to President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s plans to fight criminality in the country.

        Meanwhile, her six-minute inaugural speech on Tuesday reflected her administration’s determination to sustain development in all sectors of the province especially education, transportation, health care and social welfare.

           “Sabi ni Apo Digong Duterte, ‘change is coming’ at hindi tayo magpapahuli dito sa Ilocos Norte…Bigyan natin ng pansin ang mga sektor na nakakalimutan—ang mga PWD at may kapansanan, IP natin o indigenous people, at forever minamahal, ang ating señoritas and señoritos, ang mga senior citizens! Change is coming, at dapat hindi barya-barya ang tulong dito sa Ilocos Norte,” she said.