“The most powerful antidote to crime is not the police force but the commitment of the people to make their place a crime- and drug-free community. Thus, I encourage all stakeholders to be vigilant and to treat your barangay and the municipality as one big family.”
Thus stressed PSSupt Agustin “Larry” J. Tello, Chief of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Operations under the Management and Training Division of the Philippine National Police K9 Group who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during Kibungan’s 23rd Foundation Day on Nov. 21.
PSSupt Tello expounded the event’s theme, “Working together to develop oneself, family, and community towards a drug – free society.” He pointed out that a person whose name is included in the watch list is no longer safe.
“Once your name is identified, people will come after you because of the money or the reward which was assured by the national government, he said.
Tello, an engineer-turned-police officer who hails from Sagpat, Kibungan, also expressed his appreciation to the municipal government through the leadership of Municipal Mayor Cesar Molitas their efforts against the eradication of drugs in the municipality.
“We cannot deny the fact that our municipality’s reputation is already damaged because of drugs but we can still regain if we will work together. Kibungan is a nice place, let us maintain the its dignity and honor,” he added.
He also mentioned instances of crimes committed under the influence of drugs and cited that many children lost the right track because of being slaves of drugs. Thus, he asked the support of all stakeholders to join hands for a better Kibungan.
Said event was graced by Governor Cresencio C. Pacalso, Vice Governor Florence V. Tingbaoen, Board Members – Jim Botiwey, Robert Namoro, Ruben Paoad, Johnny Wagis, and Robert Canuto, and Atty. Thorson Keith. Peter Guibac represented Congressman Ronald Cosalan.
After a year of not celebrating the Foundation Day due to the wrath of Typhoon Lawin in 2017, the municipality started its celebration with the inter–barangay sports competition on Nov. 15 -18, the Battle of the Bands on Nov. 17 with Barangay Sagpat as the champion, the Christian Gathering, Farmers’ Event highlighting the distribution of seeds to farmers affected by hailstones (‘andap’), and the Cultural Day on Nov. 19.
By Mary Kryzel A. Martin
