May 16, 2003 (Central Office Press Release)

LINA LAUDS GMA’S RELEASE OF P1-B FOR WAR VS. DRUGS

             Interior and Local Government Secretary and Dangerous Drugs Board (DILG)

OIC-Chairman Jose D. Lina jr. today lauded President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s decision setting aside some P1-B for the government’s fight against illegal drugs.

            “The President decision will definitely and tremendously boost the campaign against illegal drugs now being waged relentlessly by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies of the government,” Lina said.

            The DILG chief said he shares the view of Pres. Arroyo that there is an urgent need to pursue a forceful, intensive and unrelenting campaign against drug trafficking and the use of illegal drugs, whether syndicated or street-level , in the country.

            In her speech before communist rebel returnees in Sta. Cruz, Laguna last Wednesday, the President directed the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes (PCSO) to set aside P1 billion for our workers in Middle East and P1 billion for SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), what more for the drug menace that has killed several thousands of our people,” the President said in her speech.

            Lina said the latest pronouncement of the President is an indication of her strong resolve, commitment and determination to rid the country of the drug menace.

            “This should send a strong signal that our President is truly determined in her campaign against illegal drugs, and that she will do everything possible to eradicate illegal drugs in the country,” he said.

LINA TO LOCAL EXECS: REVIEW PULIC SAFETY PLANS IN THE WAKE OF MILF ATTACKS IN SULTAN KUDARAT 

            In line with the instructions iof President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Interior and Local Government secretary Jose D. Lina Jr. today urged provincial governors, city and municipal mayors nationwide to review and step-up the implementation of their respective local public safety plans in the wake of the resurgence of terrorist attacks, reportedly perpetrated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sultan Kudarat.

            In his directive, Lina enjoined all local chief executives to adopt, update and strengthen their respective public safety plans, specifically their anti-terrorism component.

            “The terrorist attacks reportedly perpetrated by the MILF in Sultan Kudarat should serve as a wake up reminder to all of us to formulate concrete plans of actions and strategies through the Peace and Order Councils (POCs) to prevent it from happening in any part of our country,” Lina said.

            Lina is referring to an incident in Lmbayong, Sultan Kudarat wherein suspected MILF members sawed off at least 11 electric posts which plunged some parts of the province into darkness on Wednesday.

            The DILG chief said among the measures that should be adopted by local government units (LGUs) in their areas are: imposition of stricter security measures in all public and private electric communication facilities and installations and all public places; establishment of checkpoints in strategic areas; implantation of curfew hours through the enactment of local ordinances;

            Mobilization of all barangay officials and tanods to conduct round-the-clock rondas; and formulation and adoption of a communication and information plan for people to know what to do in cases of terrorist attacks.

            “Ibelieve we could prevent the Sultan Kudarat incident from happening in our country if we would continue closely working together and adopt preventive and security measures to ensure the safety and security of our people.” Lina said.

SKYACT NABS ‘KOTONG’ MMDA TRAFIC ENFORCER 

            The campaign against ‘kotong’ traffic enforcers got a boost yesterday as operatives of the Sagot Ko Yan Action Center (SKYACT) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government arrested a motorcycle-riding traffic enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority who allegedly extorts money from motorist and bus operators along Edsa during an entrapment operation in Quezon City.

            In a report submitted to DILG Secreatary Joey Lina, Assistant Secretary Edgardo Abenina, SKYACT head, identified the ‘kotong’ MMDA traffic enforcer as Arturo Nuiz, 52, married, of No. Casoy Road, Brgy. Potrero, Malabon City.

            Abenina said the operations stemmed from the complaint of a certain Jaime Sicat, Senior Vice President for Special Services of the South Star Bus Company, who alleged that Nuiz was pressuring Ruel Balbastro, line manager of the said bus company into giving the amount of P3,500.00 to purchase a chain set to be used for his motorcycle.

            He said Balbastro failed to give the amount immediately which made Nuiz apprehend seven buses of the South Star Bus Company for various fabricated offenses.

            In his affidavit, Balbastro also alleged that they regularly give money to Nuiz on a weekly basis so that their drivers and conductors will not be continuously harassed and apprehended for fix charges.

            Balbastro then reported the incident to his supervisor, Sicat, who, in turn, contracted SKYACT for assistance, after he arranged a meeting with Nuiz at the bus terminal located at Maryland St. Corner edsa, Quezon City to give the required amount of money.

            After handing over the marked money to Nuiz, SKYACT operatives, who were earlier informed about the meeting, immediately arrested Nuiz in the presence of some members of the media.

            Abenina said charges for violation of RA 294 (Robbery/extortion) has already been filed against Nuiz at quezon City Prosecutor’s Office this morning.

            Lina organized the SKYACT as a response unit to complaints from the public against abusive local government officials, police, fire and jail personnel.