LAOAG CITY (PIA) – “Ipaglalaban ko ang pagtaas ng budget ng NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) dahil nakikita natin kung gaano ka-epektibo at kaganda ang programa na ito.”

This is what Ilocos Norte First District Representative and presidential son Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos remarked during his official visit to the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO).

In his keynote message, the young congressman commended the efforts of the police force in sustaining peace and order in the province, as well as the anti-insurgency efforts under NTF-ELCAC.

“Ang sinasabi po ng kabila at iba’t-ibang tao, ang NTF-ELCAC ay pang-giyera. Hindi nila nakikita na mayroong barangay livelihood programs. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit nakikita natin na ang recruitment ng insurgency ay hindi na gumagana dahil gumaganda ang buhay ng tao dahil sa livelihood programs na ginagawa ng kapulisan on behalf of the national government,” said Marcos, who is the eldest son of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

He has also assured police personnel that they have an “ally” who will fight for their rights in Congress being the senior deputy majority leader.

Recently, he has filed his first 10 bills which include House Bill No. 8 or the free legal assistance for police and soldiers. Marcos said he will ensure this will be passed into law, citing the full support of the Ilokano president for the uniformed personnel.

Although peace and order was not mentioned in the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of PBBM, the congressman said that one of the priorities of PBBM is to maintain peace, order, and security in the country.

He also added that the same honor and respect demonstrated by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to all uniformed personnel would continue under the Marcos administration.

“Intensyon po ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na ituloy ang pagmamahal sa inyong lahat at asikasuhin ang mga karapatan ng ating mga uniformed personnel. Kayo po ang susi sa ating kinabukasan at pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” said Marcos as he talked to the police chiefs and workforces.

On the other hand, he also announced he was able to secure at least Php500 million fund for development assistance programs in the first district and has urged residents to visit his newly-opened congressional office to avail of financial services.

According to Marcos, he allotted Php100 million for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, Php150 million for Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, Php150 million for medical assistance to indigent patients, and Php150 million for the Local Government Support Fund.

He said he is very grateful to have been given the privilege and honor to serve the first district of Ilocos Norte.

His office also accepts students deserving of scholarships through educational assistance. (JCR/JNPD/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)