DILG Chief visits Siargao Island, inaugurates two new police stations

by Ben Serrano

     April 20, 2011

            SURIGAO CITY (PNA) - No less than Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Rebredo inaugurated on Monday two new Municipal Police Stations in the towns of Dapa and General Luna on Monday after the DILG chief visited Siargao Island on Monday.

            Accompanied by local officials, DILG Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos, Caraga Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Reynaldo S. Rafal, the DILG chief also witnessed the formal launching of tourist police units in Siargao Islands where they are tasked to keep peace and order situation in the famous tourist destination island of Surigao del Norte.

            According to Rafal, the tourist cops are not only trained to maintain peace and order situation in province but also trained as tourist guides to local and foreign visitors.

            Next week, the 4^th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament will be held in Pilar town also in Siargao island.

            After the inauguration of the new police stations, Rebredo with Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Folcadilla Matugas, husband second district Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco Matugas and First District Surigao del Norte Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr toured the seven towns of the island.

            Accompanying the group were officials of the different local and national government agencies.

            All seven municipal mayors, vice mayors and councilors including Provincial Board Members have accompanied the DILG chief.

            Later in the afternoon, aboard private plane, the DILG chief went back to Manila via Butuan City airport.

            Elated over the hospitality have shown by local officials to him, the DILG chief reminded the local chief executives for their vital role in good governance which he claimed key in attaining peace and order, sustainable progress and development by eliciting full trust and confidence and participation of the people and transparency in governance.

            “Siargao island has fast becoming a major tourist destination in the country, the role of the tourist police with the full cooperation of community people plus good leadership example of local officials are vital in bringing more local and foreign tourists to Siargao, good peace and order means good tourism therefore more tourists coming in ” Rebredo said. (PNA/Ben Serrano)