Brigadier General Chqir: Public Security Will Continue Its Duties in Maintaining Security and Preserving Stability

The Martyr Second Inspector Tannous Al-Bashrawi Medical Center and the Martyr Senior Inspector Yahiya Shukr Regional Center of the Public Security were inaugurated in Rashaya al-Balad under the patronage of the General Director of Public Security, Brigadier General Hassan Chqir, in the presence of a large gathering of political, official, security, military, judicial, religious, municipal figures, and local community leaders.

Attendees included Members of Parliament: Ghazi Zeiter, Ynal Salih, Melhem Al-Hajj Hassan, Samer Al-Toum, Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan, and Ehab Hamada; Minister of Public Health Rakan Nassar Din; Representative of the Army Commander Colonel Elie Merad; Representative of the General Directorate of State Security Colonel Hussein Al-Dairani; Representative of the General Directorate of Customs Gracia Al-Qazi, along with several judges, security personnel, religious figures, and local activists.

The ceremony began with the official unveiling of the two centers and the removal of the commemorative plaque bearing the names of the martyrs Tannous Al-Bashrawi and Yahiya Shukr, underscoring the commitment to honor the sacrifices of Public Security martyrs who dedicated their lives to serving Lebanon and protecting its institutions.

In her introductory speech, Captain Joewi Al-Bustani of Public Security emphasized that the legacy of Public Security is not defined by buildings and facilities, but by the sacrifices of men who upheld the nation’s trust and devoted their lives to its service.

She noted that the new regional center had to bear the name of the martyr Senior Inspector Yahiya Shukr, who was killed on July 6, 2026, while confronting the Israeli aggression on the town of Nabatiyeh, while the medical center carries the name of the martyr Second Inspector Tannous Al-Bashrawi.

Al-Bustani recalled the life of martyr Yahiya Shukr, who remained faithful to his oath until his last moment, making his martyrdom an extension of a life rich in dedication and service within Public Security, ensuring his name remains present among his colleagues and fellow citizens as a testament to the sacrifices of the institution’s men for Lebanon.

She affirmed that the opening of the Public Security center in Rashaya al-Balad goes beyond merely inaugurating a new building—it represents a practical step within a broader vision aimed at delivering optimal services and streamlining administrative procedures for Lebanese citizens and Arab and foreign residents alike.

She highlighted that this move follows the opening of the Public Security Medical Center in Taanayel, named after the martyr Ali Al-Khalid, which provides healthcare services to military personnel and their families, noting that this development reflects the directives of Brigadier General Hassan Chqir and his commitment to making the Directorate a close and accessible institution that simplifies citizens’ affairs according to laws and mandates while modernizing operational mechanisms in line with established standards.

For his part, Chqir affirmed that the inauguration of a new Public Security center in Rashaya al-Balad marks a new milestone in the ongoing process of modernization, institutional strengthening, and reinforcing the state’s presence across Lebanese territory. He stated: "This center is not just a new building or additional space for service delivery; it is a manifestation of the state’s will to be close to its citizens, present alongside them, listening to their needs, and capable of providing the services they deserve with ease and dignity."

He explained that the center will provide administrative services from Public Security to citizens and resident foreigners and Arabs, as well as military personnel and their families, streamline their procedures, save them time and effort, and strengthen the Directorate’s security presence within its legal authorities and assigned responsibilities.

Chqir also referred to the upcoming 81st anniversary of the founding of Public Security, set for August 27, affirming that 81 years of work and sacrifice have solidified the Directorate’s presence through all the challenges and turning points Lebanon has experienced.

He stressed that Public Security "is not an institution distant from people, but one that exists among them and for them," emphasizing that the strength of the state is also measured by its ability to reach citizens, deliver services, and protect them.

He affirmed that Public Security will continue fulfilling its duties in maintaining security, preserving stability, and ensuring civil peace, through cooperation and coordination with all military and security institutions, implementation of official decisions, and adherence to laws.

Chqir concluded by thanking everyone who contributed to the center’s completion, reaffirming that the Directorate remains steadfast in its mission to serve Lebanon, protect its people, and make sacrifices for its security and stability.

After the inauguration ceremonies, Brigadier General Chqir and attendees moved to a restaurant in Rashaya al-Balad, where the event continued with speeches highlighting the importance of the state and its institutions, the role of Public Security in serving citizens, and reaffirming national unity, coexistence, and balanced development.

In his speech, Bishop Michel Farah of the Maronite Catholic Archeparchy of Balamand–Hermel emphasized that the new center should not be merely a building or administrative offices, but a space dedicated to serving humanity, protecting society, and reinforcing the state’s presence in the region.

He stressed the importance of courteous treatment and swift processing of citizen requests, particularly in a region that has suffered deprivation for years, affirming that a strong state is one where citizens feel their institutions are present beside them, listening and serving with fairness and respect.

Bishop Farah praised the leadership of Public Security, represented by Brigadier General Hassan Chqir, along with officers and personnel, commending their sacrifices, and expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the construction and equipping of the center, stating that investing in state institutions is an investment in the nation’s future.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Bakr Al-Rafaaei, Grand Mufti of Balamand–Hermel, affirmed that Lebanon cannot be built based on discrimination between regions, stressing that Rashaya al-Balad, Balamand, Zahrani, Nabatiyeh, Saida, and other Lebanese areas constitute one homeland and one land.

He stated that national unity is the strongest weapon against challenges, calling for a national dialogue to establish a shared foundation, and emphasized that internal divisions and conflicts benefit only the enemy.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the state’s presence and institutions, pointing to the opening of the center in Rashaya al-Balad as part of efforts to consolidate the state and serve the people.

From his side, Bishop Hanna Rahma of the Maronite Catholic Archeparchy of Balamand–Deir al-Ahmar stated that the center’s opening is more than an administrative event—it is a step toward rebuilding the state’s presence in the Bekaa Valley, where many locals have often felt forgotten.

He stressed that the state is not a building, a slogan, a ministry, or an apparatus, but a gift of service, justice, and dignity for citizens, asserting that security does not mean merely protecting individuals from danger, but also ensuring they feel respected and that their government listens and their institutions are present beside them.

Bishop Rahma honored businessman Hassen Al-Bashrawi for his contribution in providing the building to become a Public Security center, wishing the center to become a symbol of security, trust, service, dignity, and tranquility.

Mayor Mubarak Aoun of Fakha emphasized that the strength of the state is not measured by the number of buildings it has, but by the extent of its institutions’ presence in people’s lives, stating that the center’s opening represents closer service and easier procedures, sending a clear message that the state becomes stronger when it is close to its citizens.

He stressed that the people of the region, who have always been partners in defending the land and borders, deserve the same services available to any other Lebanese region, extending tribute to security and military institutions, especially Public Security.

As for MP Ghazi Zeiter, he affirmed that the people of the region, who have provided men to military, administrative, and political institutions and resisted the Israeli enemy to defend Lebanon and its sovereignty, deserve their rights from the state and merit exceptional attention, placing the region at the heart of developmental decision-making.

He stressed that Lebanon faces major challenges, and national unity is "the most enduring weapon in confrontation and the first line of defense for Lebanon," affirming that political disputes and internal contradictions benefit only the enemy.

He praised the conduct of the people of Rashaya al-Balad, Fakha, Qaa, Deir al-Ahmar, and other villages during periods of displacement, considering their hospitality toward refugees a model of brotherhood and national solidarity.

He affirmed that loyalty to the state and its institutions is the ultimate choice, calling for understanding and dialogue and urging the removal of sectarian perceptions from relations among Lebanese, emphasizing that Muslim-Christian coexistence is among Lebanon’s greatest treasures.

He also thanked the municipal council and all who contributed to the project, viewing the center’s opening as part of a broader movement of security, economic, and social development in the region, and saluting Brigadier General Hassan Chqir for his initiative toward Rashaya al-Balad and other Lebanese areas.