As the year 2022 comes to an end in a few days, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) gave an update on some of the programs of its department including its campaign against illegal drugs and ninja cops, vaccination update, and the fire incident reports.
During the third episode of DILG Sa DZRH Breaktime, DILG Assistant Secretary Odilon Pasaraba and anchor Deo Macalma talked with Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Jean Fajardo, Health Undersecretary Beverly Ho, and Fire Chief Supt. Jesus Fernandez.
DILG receives competence award for the fifth time
Pasaraba, who was sitting in on behalf of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, gladly shared that the DILG has been cited by the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) for its efforts in scaling up the level of competence of its officials for the fifth time.
The department was recognized as the fifth-best national government agency (NGA) with the highest Career Executive Service Performance Evaluation System (CESPES) compliance rate for 2021 of 90% and one of the Top 5 NGAs with the highest CES occupancy rate of 58.10% as of September 30, 2022.
Meanwhile, the DILG recognized several local government units (LGUs) during the Manila BAYani Awards and Incentives (MBAI) and Fisheries Compliance Audit Award for their contribution to protecting the coastal area of Manila Bay and other aquatic resources of the country.
Awardees were divided into municipality and city categories.
The DILG, likewise, named the 12 awardees of its Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards for their immediate action and resolving of the issues within their community.
Illegal drugs and ninja cops
During the interview, Fajardo said the PNP has been maintaining its "very strict" protocols when it comes to police personnel who are involved in fractions and controversies.
This comes after Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, previously claimed that drug syndicates are back, with some being alleged members of the police force.
Fajardo said the PNP has been continuously doing an "internal cleansing" despite the shift in the new administration.
As of July 1 until December 21, the PNP has given penalties to 1,211 personnel who are involved in crimes and controversies.
Of this, Fajardo said 279 personnel were dismissed from service, 79 were demoted, 427 were suspended, 381 received sanction for their offenses, as well as those whose privileges were withheld and forfeited.
Fajardo further assured that those "ninja cops" that were sacked are no longer allowed to be back in service, citing the keen validation process that the PNP does for those potential police officers.
Vaccination, COVID Alert Level updates
The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to still observe the health and safety protocols while celebrating their respective parties this holiday season.
During the program, Ho asked those who will organize Christmas parties to ensure the visitors are vaccinated and their booster shots are also updated.
If there are COVID-related symptoms, Ho asked the public to refrain from attending events since there are high chances of the virus transmission as people would be removing their masks.
A well-ventilated open space with windows is also the ideal venue for parties, as per Ho.
Aside from these, she also reminded the general public to eat everything in moderation.
On the other hand, the DOH official also gave an update on the country's current alert level system.
According to Ho, most of the areas in the Philippines are presently under Alert Level 1.
She also reported that the DOH logged at least 7,000 COVID-19 cases last week, a 10% decrease from the previous week.
Ho added that hospital capacities are still being monitored, citing that most facilities are able to cater to patients.
“We are on the way to more loosening our restrictions because naniniwala tayo na lahat ng pilipino ay kaya na mas maging responsable dahil two years na natin pinagdaraanan itong COVID," the DOH official said.
[We are on the way to loosening our restrictions because we believe that Filipinos can be more responsible since we've been going through this COVID situation for two years.]
Fire incidents report
Since January 1, 2022, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has recorded around 19 fireworks or firecrackers-related incidents, a significant increase from seven posted in 2021.
With this, Fernandez shared some safety tips in order to avoid fire incidents in the upcoming celebrations of Christmas and New Year's Eve.
He encouraged the public to just instead watch those organized community fireworks displays hosted by their local government units (LGUs). However, if they really wanted to use firecrackers, Fernandez urged Filipinos to only use those that are regulated by the law.
"Ang PNP po ay may itinalagang mga klase ng paputok, so iyon nalang po sana ang kanilang bilhin para hindi na po makapinsala," he said.
[The PNP has specified types of firecrackers, so we encouraged them to buy those instead in order to avoid incidents.]
Fernandez also reminded the public to always unplug their electrical system if they will be celebrating outside of their homes.
Watch DILG Sa DZRH Breaktime every Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at DZRH News Facebook and YouTube.
