Newly appointed Police Regional Office-Cordillera Director, Brig. Gen. Ericson Dilag vowed to enhance collaboration with various agencies and sectors to ensure public safety across the region.
“Law enforcement is a shared responsibility. Let us work together in securing one another,” Dilag said in his message following his assumption of office ceremony at Camp Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Addressing attendees, Dilag specifically acknowledged Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Cordillera Director Derrick Carreon.
“Kailangan kita para mawala na ang green leafy vegetables natin sa Kalinga, (I need you so we can eradicate the green leafy vegetables in Kalinga),” he said, referring to the ongoing issue of illegal marijuana plantations in Kalinga’s remote villages.
A native of Tabuk City, Kalinga, Dilag committed to fostering collaboration across sectors, stressing that public safety is a collective duty and not solely the task of the police.
He also affirmed support for the key priorities of PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, including rapid police response, police welfare, technological innovation, and strict internal discipline.
“Public safety is not just lodged in the police, everybody must contribute to each one’s safety,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Edgar Allan Okubo, PNP acting deputy chief for operations, who administered the turnover from retiring regional director Brig. Gen. David Peredo, reminded Dilag of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive: “It’s not enough that people are safe; they must also feel safe.”
Okubo also commended Peredo for his exemplary leadership, noting his record-setting two years and four months as regional director and his successful navigation of the region through election-related challenges. (PNA)