Everyone of us may die trying but without proper vigilance and one's sense of social responsibility, crimes may still continue to flourish in the region. This was the conclusion that members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) reached after taking into account previous reports of all law enforcement agencies involved in crime fighting, prevention and solution and even before the latest data on crimes were presented to the body. RPOC chair Gov. Edgar M. Chatto strongly concurred with the observation putting in that all the information provided to the council by its member agencies are very useful in fighting criminality and could be effectively used in crime prevention.

"This is why the RPOC is ardently calling on the people to be wary, to act, and do their share of maintaining security, peace and order in Central Visayas," Gov. Chatto said. This observation was then brilliantly put into words and adequately elaborated by Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, saying that "to stop a person from becoming a criminal is the most effective way to stop criminality." Davide, in his first term as Cebu governor, was strongly endorsed by Gov. Chatto as his successor, the latter saying that Friday's meeting might be his last as its chairperson. Gov. Chatto was recently served his appointment as the Regional Development Council (RDC-7) chair by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA-7) through its Regional Director Efren Carreon, incumbent RDC Vice-Chair. Chatto received the official notice from RD Carreon dated May 23, 2014 informing the governor of the same as stated in the official appointment by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III himself dated May 16, 2014.

Moreover, added to the laurels on his head, the governor of Bohol is now not only nationally, but also, internationally acclaimed as a very effective and courageous leader due to his remarkable feat in leading the Boholanos to fast recovery right after the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake last October 15, just seven months after its overwhelming and most demoralizing effect. Meanwhile, RPOC's conclusion was remarkably strengthened by most recent reports that there has been a recorded decrease in crime incidents from January to April this year as compared to the same period last year which is attributed to the intensified crime prevention campaign on patrol and security operations.

Also, the continuous conduct of investigation courses for PNP personnel of PRO-7 has been proven contributory to the competency among field investigators in crime prevention and crime solution, with much help of course, from municipality residents. "It is most important that people are kept abreast and aware of what is happening in their respective communities and constantly fed about the most recent forms and types of crimes and all pertinent information so that they may know what to look for and how to detect the signs of persons who are about or set to commit crimes, most especially heinous ones," Gov. Chatto pointedly said. Although shabu is still the most favorite drug of choice with its 80.5% slice of the pie among illegal drugs, the RPOC is currently beset by the report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) informing the council that a new illegal drug has now penetrated the market through possible points of origin from Manila, Samar and Mindanao.

The drug, called "Fly High," has been verified by PDEA-7 after a buy-bust last March in one of the bars in Cebu. It is said to be sold at P3,000 per brown-colored capsule and reportedly contains methamphetamine, a component found in shabu; and cialis, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction, like Viagra. It is now also known as "Superman" or "Party" and reportedly has strong effects on the user which could last from three to four days, in which one loses his appetite, cannot sleep, but is sexually active. It also could reportedly cause ulcer due to abstinence from food, mental breakdown, and even heart attack. PDEA is now intensifying its coordination efforts with the PNP and other law enforcement agencies; and also with the LGUs and non-government organizations (NGOs) for its demand reduction operations.

It has also expanded its K9 Unit and is engaging coastal barangays in its intelligence network, which obviously needs the people's massive cooperation. Drug critical entry points are seaports, airports, coastlines, sea vessels and even our mail and parcel system. Meanwhile, RPO-7 has reported that the places where the crime volume distribution are the highest are the Cebu PPO with 5,633 crimes which is equivalent to 29%; second is Negros Oriental with 3,200 crimes at 16%; and Mandaue and Bohol tying at 12% with 2,416 and 2,250 crimes, respectively. Collectively though, the total crime volume from January to April this year has remarkably decreased by 5.8%. With these, RPO-7 has committed to reduce street crimes, motor-riding criminals and crimes involving the use of firearms by 30% each. Putting all considerations into account and after meticulously evaluating the region's current status on criminality and insurgency, RPOC-7 has declared Central Visayas as Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready. (jlv/EDCom)