THE Department of the Interior and Local Government on Friday said that there are 88.24 percent or 1,477 out of the 1,715 local government units (LGUs) nationwide that now have a functional provincial, city and municipal peace and order councils (POCs) for 2021. These councils are carrying out peace and order initiatives at the local level.

'Peace and order remain a critical contributor to a progressive economy. We recognize the efforts of these 1,477 LGUs to deliver good performance in promoting programs and policies aimed at intensifying peace and order in their respective jurisdictions and protecting citizens from the bad elements of our society,' Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. said.