PNP nixes more bodyguards

ALBAYALDE “We do not understand why there are those who get killed before, during and after elections.”

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Director General Oscar Albayalde, has rejected requests to provide additional police bodyguards to local government unit (LGU) officials like mayors and vice mayors.

According to Albayalde, such a knee-jerk reaction would be premature as the PNP is still investigating the recent killings of local government officials.

The calls for additional security details came following the assassinations of Trece Martires City, Cavite Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote and Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili.

Albayalde made the statement during the turn-over ceremony for the new regional director of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) at Camp Gen. Simeon Ola here Saturday night.

“We don’t need to be afraid or worry as these were all not systematic and patterned,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde pointed out the PNP provides at least two police personnel to mayors and vice mayors, stressing that they cannot give them as the police force might run out of officers.

The Philippines’ top cop urged local officials to hire additional personnel from security agencies if they think their life is in danger.

He added that they can also coordinate with the local police to provide additional security if they will visit critical areas where they will be attending gatherings or assemblies.

Authorities are looking into politics as one of the possible motives as Lubigan is not included in the government’s narco-list.

“We do not understand why there are those who get killed before, during and after elections — winners and losers alike,” said Albayalde in Filipino.

“Probably, it’s a coincidence or what but we are doing everything to solve these cases and we are assuring the public that we will deliver justice especially to the family of the victims,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal, a lawyer and native of Nabua, Camarines Sur, was installed as the new PRO 5 regional director.

Escobal replaces Chief Supt. Antonio Gardiola, also a native of Nabua and former Highway Patrol Group (HPG) chief, who retired from service Friday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

A member of PMA Class 1987, Escobal is the eighth straight Bicolano to become regional director of PRO5 since former Chief Supt. Cecilio Calleja of Legazpi City.

After the turn-over rites, Gardiola thanked all the men and women of Bicol police who were very supportive in all his programs and asked them to do the same for Escobal.

Escobal, on the other hand, promised to give his best in serving fellow Bicolanos and urged the Bicol police to cooperate with the PNP leadership in its efforts to ensure peace and order, eliminate the illegal drug menace and enforce internal cleansing.

He also vowed to continue the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

Albayalde also thanked Gardiola for his 32 years of service and urged him to continue helping the PNP in his capacity as a civilian.