‘Be extra cautious’

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) reminded policemen to be alert and wary especially in responding to any call for assistance.

Baleros stressed this reminder to the provincial police forces, following the ambush-slay of the New People’s Army (NPA) on four intelligence police operatives of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)-7 at Barangay Mabato, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on July 18.

Killed in the ambush were Police Corporal Relebert Beronio, and Patrolmen Raffy Callao, Roel Cabellon, and Marquino de Leon.

Baleros, in a press conference at Nocppo headquarters here yesterday, said he sent a memorandum order to all the personnel of mobile force companies and police station in the province to be “extra cautious.”

“I advised them to conduct risk and threat assessment first before proceeding to the area where there is alleged presence of armed men to prevent the same incident,” he added.

Baleros said it is a standard operating procedure (SOP) for law enforcers to always have reinforcement for deployment if necessary.

Two or three personnel in full battle gear is recommended during police response so that they know how to defend themselves, he added.

“We know that the enemies are having different tactics so we should think always how to prevent those possible attacks,” Baleros said.

The recent ambush in Negros Oriental happened when the four slain police officers were supposed to verify reports about the alleged presence of armed men in the area, but they were attacked by 30 to 40 armed men, disarmed, and executed.

The attack was already claimed by the NPA last Monday, claiming that the slain policemen have been long harassing the residents at the area for supporting the revolutionary movement.

Multiple murder and theft charges were already filed last Friday against about 20 suspects, including Victoriano Anadon Jr., an alleged contact of the slain cops, who was confirmed to have links with the NPA.

Anadon was arrested but his five other companions who were also identified by witnesses, are still at large.

Several John and Jane does were also included in the filing of the case.