Guv tells cops: ‘Be legal and moral’

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – “I urged all of you to be not just legal troops but to be moral troops as well.”

This was the call of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to the personnel of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) when he spoke before them during the flag raising ceremony at the Kanlaon Hall at Nocppo headquarters here yesterday.

Lacson said the task of the police force is undeniably tough.

“While it is true that Negros Occidental is considerably peaceful than most provinces, we cannot deny the fact that we are also faced with problems involving criminality, illegal drugs, and corruption,” Lacson said.

“I am one with President Rodrigo Duterte in fighting these ills so that our people, the Negrenses can live comfortably and freely, secure in the thought that their police force is doing everything they can to preserve and maintain law and order,” he added.

However, the governor is reminding the policemen in the province that they should always remember that they are dealing with an individual, a human being.

“You should also make sure to avoid unnecessary loss of life,” he said, as he stressed the instruction of the president that they only have to strike when they have to defend themselves from danger while implementing the laws.

“This is the part where your job gets more complex especially in the face of public scrutiny. Police work requires a great balancing act between law enforcement and the preservation of liberty,” he said.

“These tasks can be a tall order but as public servants and as protector of the people, you have to heed the call of duty and public accountability,” he added.

Lacson believed that in order to be effective servants of society, and to preserve the command and respect fit for the Philippine National Police (PNP), every man in uniform must be an epitome of both legal and moral uprightness.

“As public servants, trust is the key for an effective relationship with our people, which we need to preserve,” he said.

Lacson said the people need to see that the PNP is their ally, guardian, defender and protector, that their safety and interest is our primary concern in line, with the goal of the president to work hand in hand to defeat the ills of illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption that stunt our development.

Meanwhile, Lacson extended his appreciation for the police force’s selfless and courageous services, especially in those times when they are in the face of danger as a consequence of law enforcement.

He also expressed his confidence and trust to Nocppo, claiming he is satisfied with the performance of Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, Nocppo director.

“I am satisfied and I don’t intend to replace him. He has a year left before he retires, and you cannot judge a performance in just a short time,” he said.

Lacson also assured Nocppo, support from the provincial government on their programs to formulate together with the stakeholders more ways to progress.