Police Col. Romeo Baleros, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), talks to the security forces at their headquarters in Bacolod City, Wednesday. (Glazyl Y. Masculino)

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Maintain your guards.

Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) issued the order to policemen during the accounting of security forces deployed for the elections at the Nocppo headquarters here on Wednesday.

Baleros told the security personnel to remain vigilant to prevent possible post-election-related violence or atrocities.

Always be ready and prepared for any eventuality, he said, as he cited the clash between the military troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) in Calatrava town early Wednesday, which resulted in injuries to three soldiers.

Baleros urged the security forces to be the vanguard of peace and protector of the people even though the midterm elections are over.

He expressed his gratitude to the security forces for the successful conduct of the midterm elections.

“We are the champion of the 2019 elections since the electoral process was conducted peacefully. We were able to have tranquillity during election day because of your presence. You have performed your mandate and the security protocol was effectively implemented according to our plan in order to protect everyone,” Baleros said.

He also thanked them for being neutral and apolitical.

Meanwhile, Baleros also reminded policemen to guard themselves as well as they return to their respective mother units.

“Report to your respective units with your heads unbowed,” he said.