Some execs seek police escort

CEBU, Philippines — Following the recent killings of local officials and cops, several local chief executives in Central Visayas have asked the police for escorts.

Police Regional Office – 7 Director, Chief Supt. Debold Sinas, said a number of local chief executives have already filed documents to support their request.

“Naa na nag-file ng request diri sa region but dili lang sa nako i-disclose for security reasons,” he said.

Requests for security escort will have to be filed with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Security Protection Group (PSPG).

Sinas said only cops with a rank higher than Police Officer 1 will be deployed.

But Sinas said the recent deaths of local chief executives should not be reason for others to fear for their safety.

“I don’t think dapat mahadlok sila. If you are not concerned, if wala ka didto, unsa man imo kahadlukan? If di ka involved, ngano mahadlok ka? Unless if there is eminent threat sa ila then they should talk to the police,” he said.

He said that just because the officials who were killed all had alleged links to drugs does not mean their alleged involvement was the reason behind the killing.

“Lisud kaayo nga basta naa namatay, ang storya drug case na, so we exploit other motives for the investigation. We do not limit ourselves na kapag sinabi drug related, dun na naka-focus ang investigation. That’s why ang drug involvement is just one. We do not close any doors yet,” he said.

Just last week, former barangay officials and a cop allegedly involved in illegal drugs were gunned down by unidentified assailants.

Meanwhile, Sinas said PRO-7 has not received any request from Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot for police escorts following the recall of his security after the election period.

In May, Loot became the targets of a failed assassination.

Sinas said that if Loot wants escorts, he should file the necessary paperwork.

“As of now, if he is applying for security, we are waiting ang approval and security adto na sa itaas. Kapag nag-apply, ipa-approve namo na,” Sinas said. (FREEMAN)