Cordillera top execs push upped war vs illegal drugs

By Jamie Joie Malingan

BANAUE, Ifugao – The Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council firmed up strategies to fight against illegal drugs in the region during their recent first quarter meeting here at Banaue Hotel.

The RDC decided to push creation of drug rehabilitation centers, like the Ifugao Reflection Camp, in each province and chartered city. 

RPOC chair Baguio City  Mayor Mauricio Domogan  urged local officials to incorporate existing programs to come up with improved drug rehabilitation framework for surrenderrees in their localities.

 Police Cordillera police director Chief Supt. Elmo Sarona raised the issue of sustaining the momentum on the war against illegal drugs now that the Philippine National Police has been ordered to stop drug-related operations nationwide.

During the meeting, LGUs were advised to coordinate with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and PNP who are still bound to uphold peace and order in communities.

The council also proposed improving roads in hardest-reached municipalities and barangays, where marijuana plantations are often found.

Among the municipalities and barangays included in  proposed road network improvement projects are Tinglayan, Kalinga; Tadian, Mountain Province; Takadang in Kibungan, Benguet, and Ahin in Tinoc, Ifugao.

Improved road networks were seen to encourage marijuana planters to shift to legal activities.

 Planned interventions for surrenderers through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan program, other projects under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and reactivation of regional Presidential Management Staff were also discussed after presentation of updates on the peace and order situation and recent attack of alleged members of the National Peoples’ Army.

The RPOC second quarter meeting is set on June 23 in the City of Tabuk, Kalinga.