Botolan MPOC, MADAC, MTF ELCAC and MDRRMC harmonize strategies for peace and order, public safety and COVID-19 Response towards the “New Normal”

Botolan Mayor Doris E. Maniquiz presided the Joint Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), Municipal Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) Meeting for 2^nd Quarter 2020 on June 15, 2020 at the Botolan People’s Plaza. She was joined by Vice Mayor Doris D. Ladines and Coun. Edmund Dante Perez.

LGOO V Shieralyn B. Esteban, as the MPOC Head Secretariat facilitated and moderated the flow of discussion. IA Marlou Ordoña, PDEA Provincial Officer, provided an overview of the next critical steps with regard to drug-clearing initiatives in the municipality, such as launching and institutionalizing of the Drug-Free Workplace Program from the Municipal Government down to the barangays. For public order issues, COP Bryan Christopher Baybayan detailed the report for 2^nd Quarter of CY 2020. Meanwhile, Capt. Giovanni Bual of the 3^rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion discussed the latest updates on insurgencies in the Province of Zambales and requested the support of the body and the barangays to the Anti-Terror Bill, a bill which is focused on the right of the state to protect itself exercising the right of the state to protect itself and its people from terrorists.

For public safety cluster, SFO3 Salvador Espares and MDRRMO Andy Divino presented their respective offices’ accomplishments for 2^nd Quarter 2020, as well as the COVID-19 preventive measures being carried out in the municipality. Department of Education District Supervisor Emily Mayor also shared the Learning Continuity Plan for the “New Normal”, which will be implemented in the schools upon resumption of classes in August.

Mayor Maniquiz reiterated the main role of the members to ensure public order, safety and stability amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, she expressed her gratitude to everyone who committedly and tirelessly work in this trying times. Finally, she urged the body to keep on working as one allied force to gain more victories, where quality public service is delivered to the all despite the challenges of the pandemic as we transition to the new normal.