PNP can't secure RPA-ABB members

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Taking into consideration the problem on lack of policemen, it’s quite improbable for the local police to provide personal security to members of the Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG) of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).

“Hindi kaya ng PNP na mag-provide sa kanila ng security bawat isa kasi nga malaki rin ang kakulangan natin ng kapulisan,” said Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr., director of the Police Regional Office-6, who voiced out his opposition to the plan during the special meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council-6 at Iloilo City.

The meeting tackled the concern on the provisions of security of Tabara-Paduano Group of the RPA-ABB, as part of the proposal under the Closure Agreement of the Peace Process between the rebel group and the government.

“It’s really a big question on how to secure them. But we just tackled the general terms of the Closure Agreement for now. Everything might be cleared once na meron nang implementing rules and regulations kapag na-approved na ang Closure Agreement,” Querol said.

Members of TPG allegedly asked for security because of threats from the New People’s Army (NPA) and the other faction of the RPA-ABB.

Querol however said they could submit applications for security through the Police Security and Protective Office or the PNP could instead conduct security patrol in areas where active TPG members are residing. - THE FREEMAN