NEWLY installed Police Regional Office (PRO)-Northern Mindanao Director Timoteo Pacleb said threats to security, illegal drugs, and stopping what he calls New People’s Army (NPA) “atrocities” are his top-three priorities.
Pacleb officially assumed office on Thursday, June 22 after the retirement of former PRO-Northern Mindanao head, Chief Superintendent Agripino Javier, from police service.
As former director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) intelligence group in Camp Crame, Pacleb said he’s up for a daunting challenge considering the situation in Mindanao brought by the ongoing siege in Marawi City, which already claimed hundreds of lives.
Pacleb said the presence of some Maute fighters, who might have retreated to adjacent cities and provinces, is another perceived threat.
In anticipating a looming spill-over, Pacleb guarantees that ensuring the safety of communities in the region is his top-most priority while the government forces are pressing hard to end the crisis in Marawi City.
"This I intend to do as I discharged my duties together with the military," Pacleb said.
The PRO-Northern Mindanao chief also worries that the influx of civilians fleeing Marawi City will create possible social, economic and health problems to other areas.
Nevertheless, Pacleb also vowed to continue the war on drugs, putting drug traffickers behind bars and convincing users to submit themselves to health related interventions so they will be transformed into a law- abiding and productive citizens, through the police's Oplan Tokhang.
Pacleb said street level pushers and high value target personalities will be closely monitored.
He added that there is a need to fortify the police defense against the Maoist rebels in the region particularly in Bukidnon and outer boundaries of Misamis Oriental.
"The NPA remains a total threat to government efforts to achieve long and lasting peace not only in this region but the whole country," Pacleb said.
Pacleb is appealing for help and support from the men on the ground, the community and the local government units (LGUs) to win the battle against criminals and lawless elements.
"Let us not allow criminality, illegal drugs and terrorism to thrive in this region," Pacleb said.
