Anti-illegal drug campaign, new Tacurong cop chief's priority

TACURONG CITY – Intensified police operations against illegal drugs, reduction of street crimes and prevention of bombings and terrorism.These are the priorities of newly installed Tacurong City police director Supt. Ranie P. Hachuela.Speaking to reporters Friday, Hachuela, a decorated police officer who saved the life of a town mayor and his family in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte several years ago, said he needs the support of all sectors in Tacurong because everybody is a stakeholder in the campaign against criminality.”Hachuela replaced Supt. Junny Buenacosa as Tacurong City police director, who was moved to the police regional office in Gen. Santos City.Supt Hachuela is a native of Barangay Baras, Tacurong City. He graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in 1997.Prior to his assignment in Tacurong City, Hachuela was deputy director for logistics of Police Regional Office 9 in Zamboanga City.Hachuela was awarded the Medalya ng Kagitingan (Medal of Valor) for his heroic deed in defending the town of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte and rescuing the municipal mayor and his family from a siege against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The siege lasted for nine hours.Hachuela said his priority goes to eradication of illegal drugs which he noticed has been proliferating in the city.He told Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla, Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito and members of the city council that his priority is to put a stop to illegal drug pushers peddlers before they can destroy the lives of the young and teenagers.Mayor Montilla lauded outgoing director Supt. Buenacosa for his successful stint in the city.Tacurong City, the center of commerce and trade in Sultan Kudarat, had been subjected to terrorists’ attacks like bombing and massive extortion activities by lawless elements emanating from neighboring province of Maguindanao.It has witnessed bombings of commuter buses, public markets and activities of extortion gangs.Hachuela sought the cooperation and support of all sectors, from village officials to the top echelon of city leadership.He also vowed to maintain professionalism and dedication among police personnel and urged the public to help him make Tacurong City a peaceful and better place to live in.