The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) convened on 7 March 2023, at Camp Crame for an internal meeting presided by the Secretary of Interior and Local Government, Hon. Benjamin D.C. Abalos, Jr. to discuss the safety and security of communities and local government officials following the recent attacks made on various local government officials in the country.
Members of ULAP, the umbrella organization of leagues of local government units, and its member leagues have been extremely concerned over the safety of local authorities in view of these attacks and have repeatedly called for swift and effective actions to bring the perpetrators to justice and to institute security measures for local government officials.
During the meeting, the PNP provided updates on the current security situation in different areas of the country and discussed ongoing investigations on the recent attacks on local government officials. ULAP representatives shared their observations and feedback, providing a comprehensive picture of the situation in their respective localities including their personal experiences in the face of threats and danger.
“It is undeniable that the sizeable number of killings of local government officials and the brazenness of this recent spate of deaths, combine to send a chilling message to our people, hindering the democratic process and threatening the stability of the nation,” ULAP National President Dakila Cua said.
During the meeting, the PNP provided updates on the current security situation in different areas of the country and discussed ongoing investigations on the recent attacks on local government officials. ULAP representatives shared their observations and feedback, providing a comprehensive picture of the situation in their respective localities including their personal experiences in the face of threats and danger.
The PNP recognized the need for more localized intelligence gathering and collaboration with local authorities to determine imminent threats to local authorities. The SILG emphasized the need to work closely with ULAP to continue the dialogue between local authorities and the PNP to institute systematic updating and communication and further improve the safety and security of local chief executives.
Furthermore, Secretary Abalos highlighted the power of the local chief executives of cities and municipalities to exercise operational supervision and control the PNP units in their respective jurisdictions pursuant to Section 51of Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990.
Meanwhile, ULAP representatives emphasized the need for greater police visibility at the local level and for the institutionalization of security force multipliers through protection agents.
Said representatives also called for the strict implementation of the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which prohibits the unlawful acquisition or possession of ammunition and penalizes non-compliance thereto and coordinating with concerned agencies to improve measures with regard to the disposition of old vehicles and their respective plates.
The PNP recognized the need for more localized intelligence gathering and collaboration with local authorities to determine imminent threats to local authorities.
Moreso, a need to reactivate the Peace and Order Councils (POCs) in the regional, provincial and city/municipal level is deemed necessary to improve and enhance peace and order and public safety in their respective areas of responsibility.
Meanwhile, Secretary Abalos assured the local government officials present and the public that the PNP is focused on resolving high-profile killings against local officials and that the perpetrators of these crimes will be prosecuted with dispatch. He also added that they have sought the support of Congress for additional funds to strengthen the ranks of the police.
Additionally, the conduct of regular threat assessments to identify potential risks to government officials and take appropriate measures to mitigate them was also discussed.
Present in the meeting were League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) Members Aklan Governor Joen Miraflores, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III, Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal, Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia, North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza, Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Ann Hofer, League of the Cities of the Philippines (LCP) National President and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) National President and Cavite Board Member Ram Revilla, Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) National Chairman and Pampanga Board Member Atty. Ananias Canlas, Jr., Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) National Chairman and Malabon City Vice Mayor Bernard Dela Cruz, and Executive Directors and representatives of the ULAP Member-Leagues.
By working together, both PNP and ULAP hope to create a safer environment, not just for locally elected officials, but for all Filipinos.
