September 15, 2026 – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Itogon held the 3rd Quarterly Joint Meeting of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) at Balingway Hall. The meeting was presided over by Municipal Administrator Arnel F. Bahingawan, representing Mayor Bernard S. Waclin.
The meeting focused on matters concerning peace and order, public safety, and the continuing efforts against illegal drug activities in the municipality. It was attended by barangay officials, representatives from the Itogon Municipal Police Station (MPS), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group (EOD-K9), and concerned municipal department heads.
A representative of the Itogon MPS, on behalf of Police Captain (PCPT) Brett Allen P. Ande, presented the latest records on Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) across the different barangays. It was reported that Itogon continues to record the highest number of PWUD cases in the province. The discussion underscored the need for the consistent implementation of laws and continued efforts to address illegal drug activities in the community.
In support of these efforts, the Itogon BJMP representative provided an update on the drug testing conducted among its personnel, while the Benguet EOD-K9 team continued its information and education campaign by distributing IEC materials promoting awareness on the dangers of illegal drug use.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Itogon BFP, on behalf of Fire Inspector Julius T. Wanawan, reported on the Bureau’s continuing fire prevention activities in commercial establishments and residential areas across the municipality.
Representatives from the nine barangays also shared updates on their ongoing activities, including their response and recovery efforts following the damage caused by recent typhoons, as well as other peace and order and community concerns.
Administrator Bahingawan acknowledged the accomplishments reported by the nine barangays and the updates presented by the different municipal departments and partner agencies. He also reiterated the importance of continued coordination among the different sectors in maintaining peace, order, public safety, and a drug-free community in Itogon. // Capsula, Padcayan; GIP
