Cordillera remains generally peaceful this 2021
By Carlito Dar
(Top photo) PCOL Sibly Dawiguey, of PRO-Cor RPOC Chairperson Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Philippine Army 702nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGEN Krishnamurti Mortela (left to right) during the 4th quarter RPOC meeting.
(Below photo) BGEN Krishnamuri Mortela reports on the security situation in their area of responsibility which include the province of Abra and part of Mountain Province. (CCD/PIA CAR)
BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – Law enforcement agencies in Cordillera affirmed a generally peaceful climate in the region this 2021 with crime volume down and security threat from communist terrorist group (CTG) at minimal.
The Police Regional Office – Cordillera reported during the 4th Quarter meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council that from January to November of this year, 2,619 crime incidents were recorded, down by 914 incidents or 25.87 percent compared to the same period last year.
PColonel Sibly Dawiguey of PRO – Cor said that of the recorded crime incidents, 1,291 are non – index crimes and 858 are under public safety index while index crime cases were down to 470.
For the reporting period, 1,616 wanted persons were arrested including 382 individuals from the most wanted list, Dawiguey added.
The PRO – Cor also reported relentless operations against illegal gambling and illegal logging.
The PNP and the Armed Force of the Philippines also pursued a continuing campaign against CTGs.
Philippine Army 5th Infantry Division Commander BGeneral Laurence Mina affirmed that there is a very minimal threat from the CTGs as sustained peace highlighted by reduced violence and unhampered delivery of socio-economic programs, services and initiatives through the whole – of nation approach to end local communist armed conflict, continued to sustain momentum.
702nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGEN Krishnamurti Mortela also affirmed a winning campaign against insurgency as majority of the remaining CTG forces in Cordillera are not even from the region.
Mortela enjoined continuing partnership to sustain the ELCAC gains this 2022 and beyond as well as in guarding the possibility of the CTGs to take advantage of the upcoming national and local elections.
Meantime, the PRO – Cor and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Cordillera also affirmed in the RPOC meeting that through their closely coordinated anti-illegal drug operations, more than P1 billion worth of illegal drugs and hundreds of drugs were arrested from January to November of this year.
RPOC Chairman, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Magalong, lauded the region’s law enforcement agencies for their unwavering commitment and worthy accomplishments in ensuring a safe and peaceful Cordillera. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
