BAGUIO CITY — The Cordillera Regional Office of the Philippine National Police (PNP), in a statement, denied the allegations being thrown against the organization regarding its implementation of the laws in the Province of Abra.
“We assure the public that all police operations and investigative procedures are conducted with utmost professionalism, impartiality and strict adherence to due process,” stressed Police Brigadier General David K. Peredo Jr. He emphasized that suspects taken by the police personnel were based on established protocols and initial assessments made on the ground.
The statement of Peredo was issued in response to the claims of party group of political candidates in Abra that the police unfairly arrested a driver of one of the candidates that was involved in a bloody shooting incident. A video showing police handcuffing the driver in Bangued, Abra was posted by the group on social media wherein the cops were lambasted for so-called favoring their political rivals.
Peredo clarified that the temporary restraint of individuals for verification during high-risk incidents is a security measure, not a judgment of guilt. He said that any evidence submitted, including witness testimonies, is being carefully and fairly evaluated in accordance with the mandate given to the Police.
“The PNP is fully committed to maintaining peace and order in Abra. Investigations are ongoing and are being pursued without fear or favor, regardless of political affiliation or social standing,” Peredo stated.
He urged the public to allow the legal process to take its course and refrain from spreading unverified claims that may undermine public trust in the PNP’s institutions.