The first batch of augmentation force from the Philippine National Police that will assist in disaster response, and perform election duty arrived in Negros Oriental, an official said on Monday.
Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said 200 officers arrived over the weekend at Camp Fernandez in Sibulan town, and were presented to the visiting Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, director of Police Regional Office-Central Visayas.
One hundred came from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, while the other 100 were assigned here from three cities of Cebu Province.
Polinar said half of the additional cops will be assigned to Canlaon City to “assist in disaster relief operations, and in preparation for a possible Alert Level 4 scenario.”
Alert Level 4 is expected in the event of a major eruption of Mt. Kanlaon where majority, if not all, of Canlaon City residents will have to be evacuated.
“The Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction & Management Office had requested for additional police personnel in anticipation of evacuees to be spread out in the towns and cities in the 1st District, with this scenario,” Polinar said.
The other 100 PNP personnel will be deployed in different police stations, and assist in Comelec checkpoints to ensure peace and order leading to the May 12 polls, Polinar added.
General Maranan ordered the cops to “enhance police presence in the streets” and to “increase the quick-response time in responding to incidents.”
He also directed enhanced operations against private armed groups, illegal drugs and criminal gangs, Polinar said. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
