ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The Iligan City Peace and Order Council-Iligan City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ICPOC-ICADAC) highlighted various accomplishments during its 4th quarter meeting and approved three resolutions.

During the meeting, Mayor Frederick Siao highlighted the importance of collaboration and the need for unity in maintaining peace and order, while acknowledging the strong support from national government agencies and stakeholders.

“It is very crucial to work together, combining our expertise, to address all the challenges that we may face and ensure the well-being of our constituents,” he said.

The Iligan City Police Office reported a positive development, noting a significant decrease in the Peace and Order Index, which reflected improved safety and successful crime prevention efforts. Accordingly, local law enforcement agencies and stakeholders have effectively upheld law and order, contributing to a heightened sense of security within the city, despite minor challenges.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army is actively engaged in various efforts to prepare for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). These efforts include intensifying military operations against local and communist terrorist groups, supporting conflict resolution, assisting law enforcement operations to reduce firearms and criminal activities, and providing training for checkpoint operations.

The Brigade is also monitoring and profiling armed groups and identifying barangays with potential election concerns to ensure a secure and peaceful electoral process in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, and some parts of Misamis Oriental.

On the other hand, the 55th Engineer Brigade of the Philippine Army emphasized its crucial role in the city's development program that improved living conditions for the local community and constituents.

The Brigade has also outlined plans for road operations, rehabilitation, and ground development in Barangays Ubaldo Laya, Abuno, and Suarez.

Furthermore, the ICPOC approved a resolution requesting the Regional Peace and Order Council-10 to establish guidelines for managing and handling Bajaus and coordinating with local government units in northern Mindanao.

This initiative followed an incident on September 26, 2023, where around 100 Bajau individuals were brought to Iligan in two winged vans. According to Armien Alorro, the head of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the vans were escorted by the local government of Maramag.

It was discovered that LGU-Maramag had arranged for the transportation of the Bajau individuals to Iligan without proper documentation, as the Bajaus claimed to be residents of Iligan. The Bajaus were subsequently sent back to Maramag, as there are specific laws and documentation requirements for transporting minority groups.

Also, ICADAC approved two significant resolutions to adopt the "Yakap Bayan Program" of the Department of Social Welfare and Development,which focuses on the welfare and rehabilitation of individuals recovering from substance abuse and offers services like rehab, counseling, skills training, job placement, and livelihood assistance.

Secondly, the council has endorsed the "Special Drug Education Center" program, which is a community-based facility targeting out-of-school youth and street children to prevent drug abuse through education and support.

Other members of the ICPOC-ICADAC include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Philippine Information Agency, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and Pakigdait, Inc., among others. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)