Region 02 observes National Crime Prevention Week

The National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) celebration in Cagayan Valley - Region 02 was highlighted by the conduct of various relevant activities.

The regional celebration kicked-off on September 1, 2000 with a short program cum ecumenical services at the Cagayan Sports Complex, Tuguegarao City.  This was followed by a motorcade around the city proper.  Later, key officials of the DILG Family and the Five Pillars of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) appeared in the Special Topon-Tipan as PIA hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 02 to talk on the theme of the celbration: "Lakas ng Masa Pag-ibayuhin; Krimen ay Puksain."

During this informative activity, P/Chef Supt. Rowland A. Albano, PRO2 Director. exhorted the public to be cooperative in solving various crimes committed by individuals or groups by reporting these crimes immediately to the nearest local PNP stations for appropriate action.

On September 4 at 7:30 a.m., the simultaneous nationwide tree planting activity dubbed as "Greening the National Highways" was undertaken along the Tuguegarao-Enrile-Santiago road.  A total of 550  "butterfly tree" seedlings provided by the DENR were planted along a three-kilometer stretch within barangays Roma Norte and Sur, Enrile.  Planted trees were turned-over to the barangay officialsconcerned for them to maintain and protect to ensure a high percentage survival.  In the afternoon, NAPOLCOM, PNP, DECS and Narcotics Group joined hands in conducting a seminar on Crime Prevention and Control among the students of the Cagayan National Highschool (CNHS).

On the following day, the regional poster/slogan making contest (secondary level) was held at the  CNHS Library with four provinces represented, except Batanes.  On September 6, the tree planting activity was replicated at the National Government Center at Carig, Tuguegarao City.  Personnel of the DILG planted 200 gmelina and Japanese acacia seedlings in the perimeter of the DILG 02 site.

The celebration that was started in Cagayan province was ended in the province of Isabela on September 7.  In a joint Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and Regional Management Coordinating Committee (RMCC) - Isabela Provincial POC conference conducted at the Isabela Provincial Museum and Library in Ilagan to culminate the NCPW celebration.  PRO2  Dir. Rowland A. Albano led the formulation of a resolution which was unanimously approved by the body for the re-assumption of Isabela Governor Benjamin G. Dy as chairman of the RPOC.  Governor Dy, in return accepted the responsibility as embodied in said resolution.

It can be recalled that Governor Dy tendered his irrevocable resignation as chairman on the Council on March 9, 2000.  One of the reasons cited in his resignation letter was that he was not consulted regarding the transfer of the PNP Provincial Director of Isabela, which was a total disregard of his prerogatives as chairman of the Council.