CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON,PALO, Leyte – The Philippine National Police(PNP) here in the region will be implementing a more effective, comprehensive, and sustainable internal cleansing program that will highlight the squad concept as part of the organization’s transformation program.
The new program will strengthen the preventive, restorative and punitive approaches that will deter police personnel in the involvement of illegal and criminal activities, a long-time concern of the organization, said Police Regional Director, B/Gen. Dionardo Carlos.
He said that this will help reinforce the reformation and reintegration of police officers to instill a strong sense of commitment, dedication, and responsibility to police work through moral and spiritual interventions towards a God-fearing, family-based and service-oriented organization.
It was learned from Carlos that at least 747 police personnel here in the region are in the watch list who are facing charges.
But unlike in previous years where there are policemen involved in illegal drug charges, most of the cases that these policemen are facing are due to absence without Leave (AWOL).
“I advise these policemen that if in case they have a problem, they should immediately inform their superior so that we can help them. If they need to file a leave to fix a family problem, there is nothing wrong with it and we have no reason to prohibit them from taking a leave of absence,” Carlos said.
Carlos said that the PNP regional headquarter is already adopting the “squad concept”, by dividing personnel into teams which composed of six to eight members with the supervision of a squad leader and mentored by a participating member of a religious sector or a life coach in cooperation with the Office of the Chaplain Service that plays a vital role for this program.
This life coach from religious sectors includes priest, pastors and imam.
“This is now more intimate, more personal and my high hope with this squad concept is that we will finally be able to achieve a positive outcome for a highly reputable police force who represents love of God, country and people,” Carlos said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Using an environment-friendly trikes

TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Naval in Biliran province will provide free rides to person with disabilities, pregnant women and senior citizens.
By providing them a free rides, using a electric-run trike, the local government unit is acknowledging that these sectors are part of the local community, aside from the fact that the vehicle that is being used is environment-friendly, said town Mayor Gerard Espina.
“This program is also our way of valuing them as integral sector in our town(and) our way of introducing electric powered public transportation in our town as an effort to reduce air pollution,” the mayor said.
The free transportation program will be using a G Shuttle, an electronic vehicle or e-trike that uses cleaner sources of energy.
Around 4,800 senior citizens and more than 150 PWDs are expected to benefit this program aside from the pregnant women.
The free transportation will be implemented through a point-to-point scheme where passengers may only ride and get off at the identified stations.
Six areas were identified as G Shuttle stations located at the municipal hall, Calutan, Canto Nueve, town public terminal, Naval gym and Naval Central School.
“This is point-to-point which means passengers are not allowed to get off anywhere. The shuttle will only stop in designated station to give consideration to our pedicab drivers,” Espina said.
The shuttle will start operating from 7 am until 4 pm with at least one minute waiting time.
Each passenger is allowed to have one accompany when riding the G Shuttle.
Espina said that they may open Line 2 or another route if this program turns out to be successful.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

CATARMAN,Northern Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar First District Engineering Office officially turned over the multi-purpose building (covered court) worth P9.7 million to Catarman I Central School on August 26, 2019, this town.
The said structure which was funded under 2018 General Appropriations Act (GAA) will serve as a venue for various school activities and events, wherein 2,400 students and 75 teaching staff will benefit this project.
School principal Dr. Imelda T. Valenzuela said the realization of the said project is a collective effort of DepEd, DPWH, Batch 1980 Alumni, and other stakeholders who made a dream become a reality.
“We are very much fortunate for we are endowed with a facility where we can house all outdoor activities”, she emphasized.
“This time we will not be going out anymore and we will not look for funds to pay for the venue because of this beautiful multi-purpose covered court”, she added.
Meanwhile, DepEd CID Chief-Northern Samar Division Dr. Rey F. Bulawan stated that the newly covered court is considered as “state of the art” establishment intended solely for their ultimate clients and those are the children/pupils.
The newly completed multi-purpose building will provide a conducive venue and facility for quality education.(ANALIZA A.PABIA/NARDELA A. TANALA/PR)