TAGUM CITY — Residents in this city want Mayor Allan Rellon to improve the city’s peace and order situation, in a random interview conducted by Davao Today, two days ahead of his slated State of the City Address (Soca) on Wednesday (March 18).
“He still needs to improve his administration’s peace and order program because lawless elements are rampant in the city,” said Leonardo Mendez, 45, a private firm employee.
Mendez said that in some areas in Tagum, petty crimes are relatively “high”, attributing it to less police visibility in the areas.
In 2013, the Rellon administration organized force multipliers volunteers—composed of civilian volunteers from civil society groups—to maintain peace and order in the city.
Rellon, who sits as the chairperson of Tagum City Peace and Order Council, has vowed “to eradicate lawless elements perpetrating in the city, especially those responsible in summary killings.”
But despite the efforts to hit its target of eradicating the so-called “weeds”, a colloquial term used by ex-Tagum Mayor Rey Uy referring to criminals and lawless elements, another resident here said that the “culture of fear” still prevails.
“The culture of fear still exist. There is more work to be done to improve the city’s peace and order,” said 27-year old bank employee, Shiela Gonzales.
Gonzales said that some barangays were known to be lair of thieves because of “poor security and less visibility of security patrols.”
Both Mendez and Gonzales, however, lauded the city government for equipping the security forces with modern equipment such as handheld radios, motorcycles and cameras.
“We also want to hear from his report what happened to the plans and recommendations suggested by the people to improve the peace, security and order in Tagum. We will see if he acted and implemented the plan,” said Gonzales.
Rellon will deliver the Soca before the 6th City Council 9:00 am at the Tagum City Pavilion and Trade Cultural Center. (davaotoday.com)
