| Cagas seeks Duterte’s support to RPOC |
| Written by Eldie S. Aguirre | |
| Wednesday, 25 June 2008 | |
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The newly appointed chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Southern Mindanao is seeking the assistance of his predecessor in running its affair.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno announced the appointment of Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas as the new RPOC chairman, the other week.
Cagas’ appointment came into light when a vacuum to the RPOC chairmanship shaped up following the resignation of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who was holding the Southern Mindanao peace and order council for the past twelve years.
Cagas, a staunch supporter of the President admitted he badly needed the assistance of Duterte knowing his expertise and being a ‘tough’ guy against all odds that hinder the smooth operation of the council.
The governor also expressed elation over the gesture of support from Duterte following his appointment to the RPOC.
“Tabangi intawon ko gaw. Maluoy ka sa imong ig-agaw” (My cousin, please help me. Have pity on me), Cagas said in a media interview referring to Duterte, the governor’s distant relative.
Although Cagas admitted he could not surpass the excellent performance of Duterte in the RPOC, he vowed to crack down drug syndicates and run after criminal elements that would pose as threat to the peace and tranquility of Southern Mindanao.
“I am facing a very tedious job that needs serious and utmost dedication if one wanted to accomplish something worthy for the welfare of the people in the region,” Cagas said. (With reports from Nilo Mercado) |