ILOILO CITY -- Brigadier General Leo Francisco, the top cop of Western Visayas region, has ordered the police to strictly implement local laws in the towns and cities.
“The strict implementation of local laws and ordinances must be prioritized,” said Francisco as he formally assumed his new post as Police Regional Office (PRO-6) regional director during a turnover ceremony on Monday, August 15.
Francisco gave his marching order to police commanders in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental provinces as well as the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod.
“The implementation (of local laws and ordinances) will be monitored and they (police) will be graded on their performance,” Francisco emphasized.
Among the local laws Francisco mentioned were upholding the rights of women and children, curfew, and banning of drinking sprees along the streets.
To do this, Francisco urged commanders to work closely with the local government units (LGUs) including the barangay (village) officials.
Francisco replaced Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo who had been appointed into the Directorate for Logistics of the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame.
Francisco vowed he will continue Dongbo’s priorities including campaigns against illegal drugs, illegal gambling, loose firearms, and internal cleansing.
Francisco also mentioned he will work closely with Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Army, in the campaign against anti-insurgency.
Prior to his appointment in Western Visayas, Francisco served as chief of Manila Police District (MPD).