Sr. Supt. Benjamin Silo, Jr., Bataan police director, made the announcement during the 116th police service anniversary celebration held at Camp Tolentino here.
The 16 barangay chairmen and respective town police chiefs of six towns and one city received certificates of recognition and P20,000 in cash for each of their feat in the government’s “drug war.”
The cash awards came from the provincial government under Gov. Albert Garcia.
Garcia, Vice Gov. Ma. Cristina Garcia and Silo also presented certificates of recognition to heads of agencies and police officers and men for their outstanding performance in the campaign against illegal drugs.
Silo said he expected the number of drug-free barangays to rise to 74 within this month. There are 237 barangays in 11 towns and city in the province.
He said PDEA validates the recommendation of the police and releases its decision after assessing which barangays are to be declared free from drugs.
From July 1, 2016 to the present, the Bataan police had neutralized more than 40 drug personalities in legitimate encounter, arrested almost 1,000 and more than 9,000 surrenderees, Silo said.
There are 14 Bahay Pagbabago or drug reformation centers in the province where Silo said some 250 to 300 drug surrenderees undertake monthly reformation.
For his part, Garcia lauded the efforts of the Philippine National Police in maintaining a favorable peace and order in the country, particularly in Bataan.
He said the prerequisite for economic growth is the presence of peace and order. “Iyan ang malaking role ng PNP. Basta walang peace and order, walang investment at walang economic growth. Walang papasok na investor basta magulo ang isang lugar,” the governor said.
