IN AN effort to strengthen peace and order initiatives in Misamis Occidental, Governor Henry S. Oaminal called on all local government units (LGUs) in the province to ramp up their efforts in combating illegal drugs.
Despite the observance of Black Saturday, the governor convened all mayors and provincial board members to assess the current security and anti-drug efforts in their respective municipalities and cities.
Oaminal underscored the need for increased community participation, optimized use of government resources, intensified local enforcement, and a strong stand against complacency to sustain the gains under his administration’s flagship program, Asenso Misamis Occidental.
For their accomplishments in anti-drug operations, several outstanding members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were recently recognized by the provincial government. Oaminal commended the officers for going above and beyond the line of duty as “protectors of our communities, defenders of our families, and guardians of our future.”
In his previous State of the Province Address, Oaminal proudly reported significant strides in addressing three long-standing issues – peace and order, illegal drugs, and insurgency – that have historically hampered the province’s growth and development.
The governor reaffirmed his vision of achieving the “5Ms:” Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon (Misamisnons to live peacefully, prosperously, and happily), framing it as the ultimate benchmark for progress in the province.
“Attaining this vision is not an easy task; nevertheless, the goal is for Misamis Occidental to be a drug-free, crime-free, and insurgency-free province,” Oaminal declared. “The foundation of a progressive and joyful society is peace.”
He credited the province’s partnerships with law enforcement agencies – such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the PNP, and community stakeholders – as instrumental in the fight against illegal drugs. So far, more than 430 out of 470 drug-affected barangays in the province have been declared drug-free.
To boost mobility and emergency response in barangays, the provincial government continues to distribute rescue and patrol vehicles, with more than 350 turned over in addition to 51 previously acquired units by the Ozamiz City government. The plan, he said, is to ensure that all 490 barangays are equipped before the end of his term.
Another major initiative is the establishment of the Asenso Misamis Occidental Balay Silangan Reformatory Center in Barangay Kimat, Tangub City, which complements the province’s rehabilitation efforts. These initiatives coincide with a sharp drop in the average monthly crime rate, from 24.52% in 2016 to 13.64% in the first half of 2024.
“We remain fully committed to strengthening the maintenance of peace and order, and ensuring public safety in our province,” Oaminal said. (PR)
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