MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—Members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) recently convened to discuss critical measures in addressing matters concerning peace and order, criminality, and illegal drugs.

Provincial Police Director PCol. Jibin Bongcayao highlighted the notable accomplishments of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (LDSPPO) during the second quarter of the year which included the confiscation of illegal drugs amounting to around P15.2 million.

In a video presentation, the LDSPPO reported that the peace and order condition in the province is normal with no monitored nefarious activities of terrorist groups. However, joint forces of the army and police forces are continuously conducting intensified monitoring activities and other pro-active measures to ensure a stable peace and order condition and secure the safety of the populace.

These include maximized security deployment through police presence and visibility, aggressive police operations against all forms of criminality, and engagement with stakeholders in the community.

LDSPPO also reported that crime volume for the second quarter of the year increased to 164 incidents or by 7 percent compared to the 151 incidents logged during the second quarter in 2021. They attributed this to the conduct of the 2022 national and local elections with complications due to existing private armed groups and ridos (family feuds).

Crime clearance efficiency (CCE), on the other hand, decreased to 55% compared to 91% in the second quarter of 2021 while crime solution efficiency (CSE) went down to 37% compared to the 66% rate in the same period last year. LDSPPO attributed the decrease to victims not being interested in the filing of cases as well as no witness can help pursue the case.

For the security situation in the province, the 103rd Infantry Brigade reported that it is generally normal. The main security threat, accordingly, is the remnants of the DI-Maute group which are monitored to be conducting recruitment of new members.

On the part of the 1st Marine Brigade which covers the coastline in the southern part of the province, they reported that their area of operation is generally peaceful and manageable although decades-long family feud significantly affects the peace and order in the area. Major Rod Bryan Eribal, operations officer of the 1st Marine Brigade, said so far they have facilitated the settlement of five out of the 23 ongoing feuds in the area.

In the fight against illegal drugs, PDEA-BARMM Chief Operations Officer Marlon Santos shed light on the current drug trends, the various buy-bust operations they conducted in partnership with the PNP and AFP, as well as the gains in Barangay Drug Clearing Program. He also disclosed that the towns of Amai Manabilang, Calanogas, Kapai, Kapatagan, Lumbatan, Masiu, Madalum, Pagayawan, and Piagapo.are candidates for drug-cleared municipalities. 

Mustapha Said, Ministry of Interior and Local Government Provincial Office focal for POC and ADAC, shared an overview on the crafting of the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan which he emphasized as crucial in improving life in the communities and ensuring social protection and safety in the locality.

Dr. Nihaya Macasindel of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) also talked about the Dangerous Drugs-Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program which aims to address the prevalence of drug abuse and reduced its health-related effects.

IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang likewise shared updates on the Covid-19 vaccination program highlighting the importance of the whole-of-government and Bayanihan approach in reaching herd immunity. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)