TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN, November 25, 2023– True to his word that he will personally monitor the case of Althea Vivien Mendoza and ensure that justice is attained, Interior and Local Government Secretary, Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr., arrives in Tuguegarao City and immediately proceeded to visit the former and to talk to her family in a hospital in the city.

It can be recalled that the Ms. Mendoza was a victim of a brutal act, where she was shot and beaten, inside their school campus by a fellow student. SILG Abalos assures her family that full support will be provided including assistance to hospitalization costs.

“You are a brave woman. Be strong and recover,” the secretary said while talking to Ms. Mendoza.

Secretary Abalos talks to the doctors of Ms. Mendoza and the PNP officials handling her case.

He also vowed that violence against women and children should be put to an end and schools should find better ways and administer early interventions for troubled students.

Meanwhile, in a short awarding ceremony and press briefing at PRO 2 Camp Melchor Adduru, the Secretary Abalos pointed out the importance of ensuring peace and order as a basic requirement for local development. He also answered questions from the local media pertaining to post-Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election, such as the inventory of documents, properties, and the conduct of the SK Mandatory Training and the Liga ng mga Barangay election.

“Sa ngayon, kami ay nakikipag-coordinate sa National Liga Association (ng mga Barangay), and see to it that what we are doing is in accordance with the law, since this is imbued with public interest. So we must make sure tama ang procedure, kasi napakaimportante nito,” the Secretary said.

SILG Abalos signs the visitor’s guest book at the PRO 2 Camp Melchor Adduru after his welcome parade

Asked about the condition of Ms. Mendoza by a press member, he reiterated his support relative to the security of the victim and her family and that justice will be served. He also praised all the doctors and medical staff for their efforts in taking good care of the patient.
SILG Abalos together with RD De Leon and PRO 2 Director Birung during the press briefing with local media partners

The Secretary also met with the local government officials of Tuguegarao City, led by Hon. Maila Rosario S. Ting-Que, where he presented to the newly-elected barangay officials of the city his advocacies, particularly the “Buha’y Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA) Program. Eliciting their support, he said that the drug menace needs to be addressed at its root cause, in order to effectively eradicate it.

SILG Abalos is welcomed by Tuguegarao City Mayor, Hon. Maila Rosario S. Ting-Que (right), and Cagayan Provincial Administration, Atty. Maria Rosario Mamba-Villaflor (left)

Other campaign he espoused is the proper rearing and nutrition for children during their first thousand days (a program he championed when he was the Mayor of Mandaluyong City), and the prevention of the proliferation of the HIV-AIDS, which he directed to the SK officials present.

Finally, before administering the oath of office of newly-elected BSK officials the City, SILG Abalos assured everyone present that they are all in this together and public service means sometimes having to make tough decisions.

Secretary Abalos administers the ceremonial oath of office of the newly elected BSK officials of Tuguegarao City

“There are times you may feel alone. There are times when you make unpopular decision. But always be guided by your conscience and do what is right. And before you know it, everyone is right behind you. Supporting you,” SILG Abalos said.

SILG Abalos poses for a quick photo with DILG R2 Officials and Tuguegarao City Mayor Hon. Maila Ting-Que

Among those who joined and accompanied SILG Abalos during this trip are DILG Undersecretary for Project Development Management Atty. Odilon L. Pasaraba, DILG R2 Regional Director Agnes A. De Leon, Asst. Regional Director Elpidio A. Durwin, DILG-BLGS Asst. Director Atty. Salvacion Z. Baccay, DILG Cagayan Provincial Director Engr. Maria Loida M. Urmatam, DILG Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Catherine G. Allam-Miranda, Division Chiefs Ive B. Saludez and Elsbeth T. Maralli, and other DILG R2 officials and personnel.