Strong support to security sector continues

THE CITY government turned over dozens of brand new motorcycles to the Zamboanga City Police Office, the Joint Task Force Zamboanga and the Traffic Enforcement Unit as part of Mayor Beng Climaco’s support to the security sector.

 

Mayor Beng Climaco and City Administrator Mike Saavedra lead the turnover of 63 brand new motorcycles to the military and police, and traffic enforcers. (Bong Serondo)

Climaco, assisted by City Administrator Mike Saavedra, turned over 63 motorcycles to Col. Alexander Lorenzo, the chief of police; Army Col. Randolph Rojas, commander of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga; and Raymond Padayhag of the Traffic Enforcement Unit. 

The trio lauded the mayor for the support. The Climaco administration has provided the biggest allocation ever for the police and military which led to an improved business climate. 

Mayor Beng Climaco with Acting City Police Chief Col. Alexander Lorenzo, Joint Task Force Zamboanga Commander Col. Randolph Rojas and Raymond Padayhag, of the Traffic Enforcement Unit. (Bong Serondo)

Climaco, also chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council, has never fail to praise members of the local security forces for their hardwork, swift response and steadfast dedication in protecting the public from all kinds of threats – terrorism, violent extremism and even crimes. 

She said with the vigilance of the residents and the dedication of the policemen and soldiers, and barangay tanods and government militias, there have been no bombings and kidnappings, and piracy for the past years.  

“We are proud to report to the public, together with Task Force Zamboanga and the Zamboanga City Police Office, that we have maintained again zero bombing, zero kidnapping and zero piracy in our seas…I take pride of this historic accomplishment as chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte).”  

“Ta sale lang siempre librao el Ciudad de Zamboanga…na mal actos de terorismo y man junto siempre kita todo dale el deaton esfuerzo para prevenir la maga atrocidad para la seguridad del deaton maga familia y comunidad. Muchas gracias tambien con Consejala Pinpin Pareja, our action officer for peace and order for all the efforts done,” she said.  

But the mayor was quick to say that terrorism does not rest, adding “It may have been hampered by Covid-19, but LGUs (local governments) like ours, must remain on their toes for evolving threats.”  

Even while under the pandemic, Climaco emphasized that the local government continues to maintain efforts in preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism so as not to give terrorists the opportunity to take advantage of the health situation now.  

“Our mandate versus violent extremism is to deny terrorists opportunity to conduct terror activities. We deny terrorists by beefing up security and target hardening of key spaces and infrastructure in the City, by building and strengthening community resilience by engaging the local communities as partners in peacekeeping. We fortify our walls but we build bridges,” Climaco said.  

“We continue to build community resilience which is key versus terror and violent extremism. We have ongoing community dialogues, a joint undertaking of national and local government with local police, hijab patrollers, and Salam volunteers made possible with support from the US Department of State, Bureau of Counter Terrorism,” she added.  

Last year, National Police Chief General Guillermo Eleazar praised the Climaco administration for its full support to the police – from logistics to infrastructure projects, and various equipment, including weapons and ammunition, safety gears and allowances among others that greatly helped the police force in achieving its mission. (Zamboanga Post)