By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) is ready to assist local government officials who may be concerned over their security.
A newly-released report from the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) shows that 16 local officials in Negros Occidental have reportedly received threats.
NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, said they are already verifying the local chief executive (LCE) in the province who previously asked for additional security from the police.
Based on initial information, Catalogo said that the LCE’s threat came from communist-terrorist groups, and not from a rival political personality or group.
The official is being guarded by personnel provided by the NOCPPO while waiting for the risk assessment.
Meanwhile, an assessment is also being conducted for the rest of the local officials.
Catalogo advised them they could also submit a request to the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) of PRO-6.
“Tanan nga LCEs without threat or may ara threat, gin-dugangan naton [ang aton personnel]. Ginpa-intense pa gid ang ila security to ensure their safety,” Catalogo earlier said.
If the PSPG cannot immediately approve their request, the officials can also avail of additional security detail coming from their respective police station.
The move to place additional security for LCEs and local politicians comes following the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on March 4.
Politics is one of the many motives being eyed by investigators in the Degamo slay.
Earlier, Catalogo said they are not monitoring any intense political rivalry in Negros Occidental.
The provincial political rivalry among officials has been brought down to the local level after the two major groups — Love Negros, led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and the United Negros Alliance, led by Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer — made an alliance with another.
The rivalry among officials on the local scene has not even flared up seriously during the national and local elections last year./DGB, WDJ