The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), chaired by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, convened June 28 for their 2nd Quarter Joint Meeting.
The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders including military officials and law enforcement heads, highlighted significant strides in enhancing local security and combating crime. CAPT Mark John Panlaqui, PA, RSO of the 4th Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army delivered a comprehensive briefing on the city’s peace and order situation. His report underscored ongoing efforts in anti-criminality, anti-insurgency, and anti-terrorism campaigns, reflecting a robust commitment to safeguarding public safety. CAPT Panlaqui also reiterated the call to declare Isabela City as ASG-Free.
Echoing this commitment, PMAJ Ben-Nazhar Abbas of the PNP Isabela City Police Station, provided updates on the enforcement of law and order initiatives. His detailed account outlined proactive measures undertaken to uphold the rule of law and maintain community harmony, although he expressed concern about the rising cases of vehicular accidents in the city. In response, PNP-ICPS has sought deputization from the LTO to be more proactive in the enforcement of traffic laws.
FSINSP Vincent Toribio, acting Isabela City Fire Marshall, made his inaugural participation in the meeting where he highlighted efforts made by BFP-Isabela City Fire Station in raising awareness on fire prevention. He also provided a preview on the urgent measures made by the agency to finally put into operation the Malamawi Fire Sub-Station in Barangay Sta. Barbara.
Integral to the agenda were updates on critical public safety campaigns, including the update on the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, which was delivered by IA Candace Bergen Cabanlong of PDEA Isabela City. This was followed by a report by CHO RMT Crizan Mijares on the Community Drug Rehabilitation Program (CDRP). These initiatives, aimed at eradicating drug-related issues at the grassroots level, exemplify the council’s holistic approach to community welfare.
Given the drug affectation rate of Isabela City, Mayor Turabin-Hataman reiterated her plea for a more proactive approach from barangay officials to free their communities from the scourge of illegal drugs. In the same breath, she also extended the recognition for barangays who are now recommended to be declared as drug-cleared.
Towards the end of the meeting, LGU Isabela City was also urged to pass ordinances that would prohibit public smoking and vaping, being shirtless in public spaces, vandalism, and a curfew for minors.
During the entire meeting, Mayor Turabin-Hataman was ably assisted by CPOC Head Secretariat CLGOO Arnel Alvarez of DILG Isabela City FOU and Rix La Guardia, LGU Isabela City POPS Focal. Also present was ABC President, Councilor Abral Abdurahman.
Also in attendance were representatives from PDEA Isabela City, PNP-ICPS, BFP-ICFS, 4SF BN, PA, 53rd SAC, 5SAB, PNP-SAF, PNP-EOD & Canine Unit Isabela City, BJMP-ICJ, DILG ICFOU, PCG Station Isabela, DepEd SDO-Isabela City, DSWD ICFO, Parole and Probation Administration-Isabela City, DOLE ICFO, PIA Basilan Infocenter, PPA TMO Isabela, Basilan Ulama Supreme Council, and UECI led by Isabela City People’s Council President Ptr. Ronald Paulino. From LGU Isabela City came CPDC Gay Palagtiosa, EnP, CBO Haiat Aira Taguranao and personnel from the CSWDO and CIO. (Words by E. Banding/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
