President Rodrigo Duterte was “appalled” by the numerous killings in Negros Oriental, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday, May 25.
Duterte, along with other top national officials, was in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Monday, May 24, for a National Peace and Order Council closed-door meeting at the Silliman University gymnasium.
The president assured the officials of Negros Oriental that the state will do its obligation to investigate the incidents and punish those behind the killings, Roque said.
He said Duterte has tasked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to resolve the conflicting claims on untitled lands which triggered the killings.
“The president directed them to resolve this dispute in favor of the poor,” Roque added.
Duterte also directed the Department of Agrarian Reform to fast-track the land distribution to farmer-beneficiaries, Roque said.
Land disputes are among the reasons why there is still an insurgency problem in Negros, he said.
Meanwhile, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), who also joined Duterte visited the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office and some of its stations.
He said it was the first provincial police office he visited since he assumed office in early May.
Eleazar said his leadership will focus on cleanliness in offices, ranks, and the community.
He also awarded 15 personnel of the provincial police for their exemplary service.*