ILLEGAL drugs, akyat-bahay gangs, and environment offenders. The three are now at the top of the provincial police’s order of battle.

Governor Amado Espino Jr. has ordered the PNP to marshal its forces in fighting against these menaces after expressing satisfaction over the successful operation of the police on cattle rustling.

Speaking at the command conference of the PNP in Pangasinan on Tuesday, Espino said although they had been successful against cattle rustling, the police have to do more against illegal drugs and members of akyat bahay gangs and robbery syndicates who victimize local residents, tourists and balikbayans.

“The initiative of the province to promote tourism would be meaningless if robbers are not kept at bay,” said Espino.

He also warned the police chiefs about involvement in the illegal drug trade after a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency official tagged Pangasinan as the source of illegal drugs in the Ilocos Region.

Espino, however, said the agency must back up its allegation with facts.

The governor also said the police should assume a pro-active role in the preservation and protection of the province’s environment and natural resources by enforcing special laws against illegal logging, illegal quarrying.

He ordered the police chiefs to file cases against barangay captains or mayors who are violating environmental laws or involved in the degradation of the province’s resources.

Espino also said given the shortage of manpower in the province, he advised the police chiefs to minimize assignments for non-police activities.

The governor recommended an increase in police visibility in areas where criminals are likely to strike by pulling out personnel assigned as teachers in the communities. –LM

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