By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
A local group called for a security review of all local chief executives (LCEs) in Negros Occidental following the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on March 4.
Association of Chief Executives (ACE) in Negros Occidental President and Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said yesterday that the security for all LCEs must not be lax.
He is calling for a review of the executives’ security details.
The request was in line with the recent mandate from the Department of the Interior and Local Government for LCEs to coordinate with their respective chiefs of police and assess their security.
Benitez is also thankful that the political rivalry in Negros Occidental has not escalated into violence.
Last week, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he doesn’t see a need to beef up his own personal security despite offers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters.
He said that as long as he is aware of the situation and the areas he visits, then he would always be guided by it.
Lacson said he had a talk with Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) director, Colonel Leo Pamittan last week and he told the governor that everything was fine.
He also got information on the results of the meeting between the high officials of the PNP and his counterparts in the League of Governors of the Philippines.
Lacson said during the meeting it was determined that the direction that needs to be taken is data and intelligence gathering.
“In fact, even Iloilo Governor Toto Defensor said there should be constant assessment of the situation in their [respective] areas and that is true for all of us,” he said.
However, the security at Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol has been stepped up.
NOCPPO spokesperson, Captain Judesses Catalogo said LCEs currently do not see any serious threats to their security, but some have acknowledged receiving threats in the past.
“We remind our local chief executives not to be complacent,” Catalogo said./DGB, WDJ