MARIBOJOC–For years, this town was been known as a center of trade for marijuana, shabu and other illegal drugs. Now, this fourth class municipality heads to a 360-degree turn into a peaceful town of 18,133 people. Mayor Leoncio Evasco Jr., in a recent gathering, the Sangguniang Kabataan and barangay captains, tricycle and “habal-habal” drivers, public market vendors and the municipal police team, committed to stop the proliferation of drug addicts in the municipality by providing them with employment opportunities for them to start a new life. Mayor Evasco assured the constituents that he will not stop until the names of noted drug addicts are erased from list. He told the group that the peace and order of a community reflects the kind of family each person grew up. He noted that various factors contribute to one's upbringing, and the family is a priority. “Habal-habal” and tricycle drivers were advised to keep watch of strangers and swindlers loitering the municipality as they might be used as their means of transportation.

Mayor Evasco informed the peddlers to secure first a mayor's permit before they could transact business in Maribojoc to provide a fair business atmosphere to local market vendors. During the forum held at the public market on Monday morning, local residents were reminded to be wary of pickpockets inside the public market, especially during market days. Mayor Evasco encouraged them to exercise citizen's arrest if they personally witness crimes being committed. He reiterated that amicable settlements are only applicable during legal engagements with the barangay captains and fiscal, and that no settlements can be made during interrogation with police officers. Mayor Evasco also thoroughly discussed the five pillars of justice; Law Enforcement, The Public Prosecutor, The Judiciary, Correctional Institutions; and The Community. SP04 Jose Vendencia Arocha of the Maribojoc PNP facilitated the open forum, ABC Federation President Marcelina Dapitan led the opening prayer and MLGOO Victor Lapiz, Jr. welcomed the participants to the half-day affair