Santa Marcela LGU holds 4th quarter joint council meeting; peace and order, public safety underscored

Santa Marcela, Apayao – The Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) convened on December 10 for their 4th Quarter MPOC–MADAC Joint Council Meeting to provide important updates focused on the welfare of the townspeople.

“Daytoy nga joint meeting ket kasapulan nga maaraid, not only because it is mandated for LGUs, but because we need it to ensure that our town remains peaceful and in order. Isunga dakkel ti batang iti amin nga miyembro to report and recommend the needed actions tapno puminpintas ti serbisyo tayo kadagiti umili,” Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez said in an interview.

The local councils, led by Mayor Martinez, gathered at the EKB Clubhouse, with various members in attendance. Several key agenda items during the meeting covered vital accomplishments during the fourth quarter.

For the Santa Marcela Municipal Police Station (MPS), updates on the peace and order situation were presented, including crime statistics, PNP operational accomplishments, and other significant achievements for the quarter.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported on public safety concerns and shared updates on logistics, establishment inspections, operational activities, and accomplishments within their mandate.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) also provided updates anchored on their four key perspectives: Resource Management, Learning and Growth, Process Excellence, and Community.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Apayao presented updates on the drug situation in the municipality, including the progress of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program and ongoing drug reduction efforts such as Drug Awareness and Preventive Education (DAPE) activities in senior high school campuses.

According to the Santa Marcela LGU, one of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation and approval of the 2026–2028 Peace and Order and Public Safety Plan, which is designed to guide the municipality’s peace and safety initiatives for the next three years.

The meeting was attended by LGU department heads, Punong Barangays, representatives from national line agencies including the DILG, PNP, BFP, BJMP, and PDEA, as well as civil society organizations (CSOs), partners, and other council members.

For her part, Mayor Martinez urged council members to consistently work in unity to ensure security and peace across the municipality.