MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Maintaining peace and order through the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies is the key to Negros Oriental鈥檚 economic development, Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the (DILG) said on Monday.
Abalos stressed this to allay worries brought about by recent killings in the province, including the assassination of Gov. Roel Degamo last March 4.
Abalos visited the province last July 8 to highlight its decreasing crime rate, citing the latest data from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
鈥淓conomic development is always intertwined with peace and order,鈥� he said.
鈥淎 lot has happened. What鈥檚 important is we should look forward and take control of the situation. We owe it to our province and the people of Negros,鈥� he added, speaking partly in Filipino.
Abalos also assured residents of the province that justice would be served for the death of Degamo and others.
鈥淢any cases have been filed with the Department of Justice and are undergoing preliminary investigation. Others are in the regional trial courts and are awaiting their decision,鈥� he said.
Abalos said he had already instructed the Philippine National Police to beef up security measures in the province and ensure that similar crimes could be avoided elsewhere.