TACLOBAN CITY — Government and law enforcement officials in Catarman, Northern Samar, have intensified efforts to sustain peace and public safety following a reported decline in overall crime incidents during the second quarter of 2026, despite a rise in traffic-related offenses.
The municipality’s peace and security situation was reviewed during the joint meeting of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), and the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) on July 1.
The meeting, presided over by Municipal Administrator Renato Esidera, gathered representatives from key government agencies to assess law enforcement efforts and discuss measures to further enhance public safety.
Catarman Police Chief Lt. Col. Alden Dugan reported that while overall crime incidents declined during the second quarter of the year, the municipality recorded an increase in non-index crimes, largely due to vehicular accidents caused by traffic violations and inadequate road signage.
He said the police continue to intensify anti-illegal drug operations and implement programs such as Oplan Bantay Kalsada and the Safer Cities Initiative, which have helped curb public drinking and smoking, enforce curfew regulations, and ensure compliance with local ordinances.
To further strengthen crime prevention, Dugan recommended the installation of additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in barangays, business establishments, and residential areas. He also urged village officials to step up road safety awareness campaigns to reduce traffic-related incidents.
Sangguniang Bayan Member Fernando Carpio commended the Catarman Police Station for increasing police visibility, particularly in barangays and interior streets, saying the initiative has significantly reduced street disturbances and riots, especially in the Market Site area.
The Philippine Army, through the 43rd Infantry Battalion, also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security in the municipality.
Captain Ray Arvin Constantinopla said that although Catarman has already achieved Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, the military will continue intelligence monitoring, border patrols, and joint security operations, particularly in remote barangays.
He likewise called on barangay officials and residents to promptly report suspicious individuals or unusual activities in their communities to help prevent security threats.
Meanwhile, Catarman District Jail Warden SJO1 Rafael Vestra Jr. reported that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) continues to conduct daily Greyhound Operations, drug awareness activities, and drug testing as part of its campaign to maintain a drug-free jail facility.
He added that the local government has committed to assisting the district jail in conducting drug tests for persons deprived of liberty.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), represented by Fire Officer 3 Mark Christian Benesisto, reported that 17 fire incidents were recorded in the municipality from January to June this year, comprising 13 grass fires and four structural fires.
Most grass fires occurred in Barangays Dalakit and Daganas, prompting the BFP to urge barangay officials to intensify fire prevention and awareness campaigns.
Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Irmina O. Delorino, for her part, informed the council that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already extended financial assistance to families displaced by recent fire incidents.
Officials concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to closer inter-agency coordination to sustain peace and order, strengthen anti-drug and anti-criminality campaigns, and improve disaster preparedness and public safety across Catarman.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
