WV RPOC members briefed on new functions
Members of the newly-organized Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Western Visayas chaired by Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas were recently briefed of their new functions and duties in a meeting held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol recently.
The briefing was done by Director Evelyn Trompeta of the Department of Interior and Local Government 6, designated head of the RPOC Secretariat.
It will be recalled that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the reorganization of the Peace and Order Council in all levels all over the country through Executive Order No. 739 which she signed last August 19, 2008.
In the said EO, the President stated that it is time to put to rest the Communist rebels' disruption and violation of human rights so that the nation can move ahead to become a first world country.
As stipulated under EO 739, the RPOC will provide a forum for dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order, including insurgency.
It will also recommend measures which will improve or enhance peace and order and public safety in their respective areas of responsibility, including insurgency measures.
Likewise, it will initiate and/or oversee the convergence and the orchestration of internal security operations efforts of civil authorities and agencies, military and police.
The RPOC can also apply moral suasion to and/or recommend sanctions against local chief executives who are giving material and political support to the Communist rebels.
Further, it will monitor the provision of livelihood and infrastructure development programs and projects in the remote rural and indigenous population areas adopted to isolate them from the Communist rebels' "Agitate/Arouse, Organize and Mobilize" and ideological, political and organization works and perform all other functions assigned by law, the President or the National Peace and Order Council.
On the other hand, the management and supervision of the Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVOs) is tasked to the respective Regional Provincial, city or Municipal Director of the PNP under the new order. (PIA)