The Mati City Peace and Order Council convened on Wednesday, January 5, their first meeting for the year 2020.

City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat headed the CPOC meeting together with City Local Government Operations Officer Joseph Porgatorio.

Also in attendance were City Councilor Edwin Barrera, Police Major Bembo Aying of the Mati PNP, Lt. Col. Alexander Banatao of the Philippine Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion, City Prosecutor Oliver Saniel, Pepe Peñamante from the Civil Security Unit, Romulo Amolata from the Public Safety and other representatives from various government sectors.

During the meeting, Mayor Michelle expressed her administration’s strong support to the Executive Order No. 70 Series of 2018 of President Rodrigo Duterte “INSTITUTIONALIZING THE WHOLE-OF-NATION APPROACH IN ATTAINING INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE PEACE, CREATING A NATIONAL TASK FORCE TO END LOCAL COMMUNIST ARMED CONFLICT, AND DIRECTING THE ADOPTION OF A NATIONAL PEACE FRAMEWORK”.

Mayor Michelle informed the CPOC that they have initiated the Ugnayan sa Barangay as part of the LGU effort to address the needs of the people in the barangays to get their participation and cooperation in the government efforts to put an end to the local communist armed conflict.

The Philippine Army and the PNP meanwhile gave their report before the CPOC with Lt. Col. Banatao stating that Mati City remains to be generally peaceful.

He revealed though that efforts of armed groups to create havoc in the city remains and that they have to be always on their toes to thwart any threats.

The PNP Mati also outlined their accomplishment report before the Council saying that criminality has gone down.

P/Maj. Aying also presented their logistical needs to the CPOC to which Mayor Michelle vowed to address as soon as possible.

Two vehicles that were supposed to be delivered to Mati PNP last month were unfortunately affected by the Taal ashfall in Batangas where the vehicles were housed.

The car company said that they will request new vehicles as they refused to deliver vehicles affected by the ashfall.

Aside from the vehicles, Aying said they also need firearms and other equipment for their Swat Team and additional personnel as well.

The city police chief also proposed for the creation of the Local Anti-Criminal Action Plan (LACAP) to stop riot and drag racing in the city.

Mayor Michelle and other members of CPOC are one in endorsing the LACAP creation to the Sangguniang Panlungsod which vowed to act on it expeditiously.

Aying also suggested for the creation of a Bike Patrol and Tourist Police considering the thrust of the LGU in improving the tourism industry.

Mayor Michelle welcomed the report of the police and the military but added that her administration wanted to do more to ensure the protection and safety of the people of Mati and its visitors.

Mayor Rabat initially expressed interest on creating a Task Force Mati patterned after Davao City’s Task Force Davao.

“So we are in good hands. But I’m not satisfied so we have to establish Mati Task Force hired and paid for by the city. Hindi sa gaya-gaya tayo but best practice ng Davao then why not apply it here as well for the benefit of the people of Mati,” said Mayor Michelle.

Lt. Col. Banatao however said that creating Task Force Mati would be a tedious process and approval from the Department of Defense.

For the time being, Mayor Michelle said that what they will do is train and support additional personnel for the Public Safety which in turn would support the Mati PNP in manning checkpoints and in other law enforcement matters.

It was learned that 60 personnel are now undergoing training with another batch following suit. (CIO MATI)