PPOC tackles drug problem, violent extremism

PEACE AND ORDER --- Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu (3^rd from left) led the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting last May 16 in Buluan, Maguindanao together with PDEA Director Bryan Babang, DILG-Maguindanao Director AminaDalandag, 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division Commander Maj. Gen. ArnelDela Vega, and PNP-Maguindanao representative. They were also joined by various agencies and some municipal mayors. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BULUAN, Maguindanao— Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu  tackled the local government’s campaign against illegal drugs and the issue on “violent extremism” during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting last May 16 in this town.

Governor Mangudadatu said the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Maguindanao said they find it challenging to get the full cooperation of barangay officials who fear retaliation from these drug suspects.

“For this year, the PNP-Maguindanao is eyeing at least 1,256 drug suspects under Oplan Tokhang, said Governor Mangudadatu.

Of this number, 57 had been arrested, three were killed in police operations, nine were already dead, and 788 had surrendered, while six others have transferred their residences.

According to PNP-Maguindanao, their crime solution efficiency for the period January 1-May 15, 2017 increased from 21 percent to 38 percent compared to the same period last year.

They attributed the increase in efficiency to pressure from President Duterte to intensify the campaign against crimes and illegal drugs. Crime volume increased by 10percent from January 1 to May 15, 2017 compared to the same period last year.

Further, Governor Mangudadatu also sought the aid from the 36 mayors of the province following reported attempts by foreign individuals to spread the teaching of violent extremism.

Some preachers have gone to some secluded parts of the province to teach bomb-making instead of the way to become a good Muslim.

Mangudadatu urged the mayors and barangay officials to monitor Islamic schools for their possible presence.

Maj. Gen. Arne lDela Vega, commanding general of the 6^thInfantry (Kampilan) Division, confirmed his commitment to the campaign against violent extremism.

Governor Mangudadatu and Maj. Gen. Dela Vega signed last May 16 an agreement to maximize coordination in maintaining law and order in the province.

In the agreement, the Office of the Governor and the 6th ID shall help each other in emergency and calamity response operations. The PNP-Maguindanao has also committed to support the campaign. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)