Mayor Khymer Olaso commends the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement (PDEA-9) for their steadfast efforts with the city government to boost security in the city, particularly through their mandate of curbing illegal drugs and addressing crimes that endanger public safety.

Speaking during Monday’s flag-raising rites, October 6, at the City Hall grounds, Mayor Olaso lauded ZCPO Director PCol. Fidel Fortaleza, Jr., together with PDEA-9, for their significant gains in drug confiscations in high-risk areas. He reaffirmed that maintaining peace and order is a top priority of his administration in ensuring the safety and security of the city and its people.

The mayor also emphasized that the strengthened Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) programs, jointly implemented by two agencies and barangay councils, have made notable progress. These efforts, he said, reflect the essence of protecting the youth, reduce crimes and curb the spread of substances that undermine public safety.

Olaso further underscored discipline, accountability and cooperation as guiding principles for city officials and employees. He cited solid waste management, flood control, traffic decongestion and public market improvements as among the administration’s continuing priorities.

The local chief executive thanked Acting City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Gerry Pollisco for leading environmental initiatives and urged all department heads to dedicate themselves fully to serving the city’s constituents.

The ceremony, sponsored by the City Health Office (CHO), was attended by Philippine Looper Ferdinand Dela Merced, who had just returned from Jolo, Sulu, along with representatives from the United Nation’s Association of the Philippines (UNAP)-Mindanao, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat, City Administrator Percival Ramos, city department heads and employees, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP-ZC), key security officials and other stakeholders. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Roselyn Bunot)