By Jennifer P. Rendon
The barbaric act that happened in Negros Oriental has no place in Western Visayas.
This, Brigadier General Leo Francisco, Western Visayas police chief, said as he directed all chiefs of police and provincial and city directors to coordinate and talk to their respective mayors, congressmen, and governors about their security and possible threats, if any.
The order was issued two weeks ago even before Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was assassinated.
Last week, field commanders already updated and reported that they have already talked with government officials in their locality.
On Tuesday, March 7, the PNP will hold a meeting with elected government officials at Camp Crame.
“Then after that, maybe Thursday, may pag-uusap kami with government officials sa provinces. I will see to it that the chiefs of police will also be there along with the mayors,” he said.
During the meeting, Francisco said they would determine officials who have a high threat level and will eventually be provided with enough security.
“I don’t want to see happen what has transpired in other parts of the country I’ll see to it that appropriate security will be given. If we could be provided with substantial information, we could respond accordingly,” he said.
In determining the threat level, Francisco said that they have pre-determined guidelines and criteria.
“Once the assessment is done, we will pass it to the PSPG (Police Security and Protection Group) and the PNP chief will approve it,” he said.
But a PNP regional director also has the authority to grant police security to those who have a “valid threat security threat” for a certain period.
“So kung may threat ka at na-validate ito, I can give two security personnel at a given period of time. But if it’s long-term, PSPG will be the one to handle it,” he said.
The PSPG is a PNP unit that secures and protects elected and appointed national government officials; members of the diplomatic corps and visiting foreign dignitaries; delegates and/or participants during special events, private individuals authorized to be given protection, and vital government installations.
