By Zen Trinidad
SANTA CRUZ , Laguna, July 11 (PNA) — Department of Interior and Local government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas distributed on Friday 24 light patrol jeeps to each municipal police station in the province.
Earlier, Roxas distributed 31 light patrol jeeps in the province of Batangas.
In his speech before the municipal mayors, municipal chiefs of police (COPs), DILG employees, Representatives of the 1st, 2nd and 4th districts of Laguna, provincial government officials led by Governor Ramil Hernandez, Roxas said that the jeeps would enhance the capacity of local police forces in fighting crimes.
Likewise, Roxas said that these jeeps can be utilized to respond to other emergency situations such as medical emergencies and disaster response.
Roxas emphasized that the program is extended to all municipalities in the country regardless of political affiliation and an example of the proper use of people’s taxes under the “Daang Matuwid (Right Path)” program of the Aquino administration.
Roxas handed the patrol jeeps and their respective keys to 16 town mayors of Laguna’s 4th district, with their respective chiefs of police in attendance.
Representatives Benjie Agarao (4th district), Joaquin M. Chipeco, Jr., and Dan Fernandez witnessed the turnover of vehicles to the town majors.
Six towns in the 3rd district, and two in the 2nd district were also recipients of the patrol jeeps.
Roxas also distributed checks to municipal mayors who had complied with the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) approach of the DILG in regards to the projects identified under the program.
He also graced the leadership training of “Koalisyon ng mga Mamamayan para sa Reporma” (KOMPRe)- an organization of civil society organizations (CSOs) fighting for reforms- held at Southbay Montessori near the provincial capitol in Sta. Cruz town.(PNA)