ICPO takes middle ground in PECO-MORE squabble

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Philippine National Police (PNP)’s primary role is the maintenance of peace and order.

And if scores of police officers were seen during the controversial serving of writ of possession (WOP) at the Panay Electric Company (PECO)’s premises, “they were in the area to protect the general public,” Police Captain Shella Mae Sangrines, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) spokesperson, said.

Before the sheriffs served the court order for the WOP, the management of MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) asked for assistance from ICPO.

Sangrines said they have deployed two Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) teams, also known as anti-riot cops, at the areas covered by the WOP.

Two companies of ICPO policemen are comprised of 100 personnel.

While there were some intense moments like the fracas between PECO executive Marcelo Cacho and lawyer Marven Daquilanea, the ICPO assessed that the implementation of the writ was peaceful.

Had the security situation escalated, the ICPO had on standby several units of police personnel available to respond to any incident.

There was one team from ICPO’s Special and Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and personnel from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RFMB).

“They were put on standby and ready for possible deployment,” Sangrines said.

Even personnel from Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were also alerted for deployment.

“We’d rather be safe than sorry. We don’t want to compromise the safety of the public,” she said.

Apart from their role of maintenance of peace and order, “it’s our duty to prevent the crime and solve it if it happens,” Sangrines said.

She claimed that the number of police personnel and their length of deployment will depend on the situation.

“As to the issues surrounding the case, it’s for the parties to settle it through legal means,” Sangrines said.