PRO-7 to intensify fight against drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office–7, under the helm of regional director Chief Superintendent Prudencio “Tom” Bañas, is intensifying operations against illegal drugs in Central Visayas this year following its remarkable accomplishments last year.

Bañas, in his speech during the traditional New Year’s Call, said that this year, they will improve the strategies in their fight against illegal drugs together with local government units.

“2015 is a year for new opportunities, a year to prove ourselves that we can do better, and way more than what we did last year,” he said.

He said they have also strictly adopted the comprehensive deployment system and focused on conducting checkpoints across the region to prevent criminal activities.

Bañas commended his men for the unwavering support and cooperation to the organization and further challenged them to continue performing well in their jobs and surpass what is expected from them.

He also called on police officials in Central Visayas to set as good examples for “world-class police service” among the lower units.

Bañas further expressed gratitude to the public for the support to the police authorities especially in giving information.

According to him, the participatory law enforcement from the public manifests their confidence to the police force.

The PRO-7 director said that following the Sinulog festivities, they will start planning for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit with Cebu to host a series of ministerial meetings.

When he took oath as the new PRO-7 director in June last year, Bañas declared an all-out war against illegal drugs throughout the region.

He said 2014 had been a productive year for PRO-7, particularly citing the regional office’s accomplishment in confiscating over P100 million worth of drugs last year.

“This is nearly triple the haul of 2013,” he said.

He added that they have also arrested at least 3,231 individuals in drug-related cases alone and confiscated 1,729 loose firearms.

PRO-7 has also awarded 6,885 medals to deserving policemen, he added. — Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento/NSA (FREEMAN)