By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) said yesterday it is closely monitoring the border with Negros Oriental as a manhunt operation against the remaining suspects involved in the killing of Governor Roel Degamo and eight other civilians is ongoing.
NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Captain Judesses Catalogo said upon receiving information of the attack in Negros Oriental’s Pamplona town on Saturday, March 4, they immediately ordered police stations in the southern part of Negros Occidental to establish checkpoints along main roads and highways, particularly in Hinoba-an town’s Barangay Culipapa.
As of yesterday, the checkpoints remained and every motorist is being stopped and checked prior to being allowed to enter the province, Catalogo said.
The NOCPPO’s Provincial Mobile Force Company has also joined the manhunt operations by serving as a blocking force and patrolling the far-flung areas bordering Negros Oriental to prevent the suspects from escaping.
“We are closely coordinating with other police and law enforcement units in the manhunt operation against the late governor’s killers,” Catalogo said.
Meanwhile, in response to the growing number of attacks against local chief executives across the country, Catalogo said the NOCPPO alerted its police chiefs to contact their respective local chief executives and conduct threat assessments, as officials said they currently do not see any serious security threats, but acknowledged receiving some in the past.
He further advised local government officials to get in touch with their police chiefs and review their security assessments.
“We remind our local chief executives not to be complacent,” Catalogo said.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday morning following Degamo’s murder, he doesn’t see the need to beef up his own personal security despite offers from the Philippine National Police headquarters.
“As long as you are aware of the situation and the areas you go to, I will always be guided by that,” Lacson said./DGB, WDJ