Friday, August 29, 2008 Cops in Mindanao to return home
AFTER nearly three weeks, the 100 policemen sent to Mindanao will be returning soon, Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr. announced yesterday.
The company from the Regional Mobile Group was sent to General Santos City and the Cotabato provinces to aid government forces during the hostilities with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Razon, who was in Cebu for the 18th PNP Recognition Day, said he issued the orders for the return of the troops to their regional units last Wednesday, saying they have begun “restoring normalcy” in Cotabato and Lanao.
He also assured that there would be no spillover of hostilities here because they have already “contained” the situation and are concentrating on rehabilitation and relief efforts.
He assured that they have increased the number of police personnel assigned in troubled areas and augmented the forces of coastal towns.
Two companies of the Special Action Forces (SAF) are also in Lanao del Norte “to protect the people.”
Razon warned his men about the possibility of the New People’s Army taking advantage of the hostilities in Mindanao.
He said they received information that the CPP-NPA has formed a tactical alliance with “rogue elements of the MILF.”
Also yesterday, Razon and Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Ronald Roderos awarded 16 private individuals, six organizations and eight police officers for their contributions to the programs of the PRO 7.
Razon explained that PNP Recognition Day is held each year to commemorate the anniversaries of the Philippine Constabulary, founded on Aug. 8, 1901, and the Integrated National Police, founded on Aug. 8, 1975.
Awarded were Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, Negros Oriental Gov. Emilio Macias, Siquijor Gov. Orlando Fua, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza, Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Fortunato de Gracia, Regional State Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane, Department of Interior and Local Government 7 Director Pedro Noval, Office of the Muslim Affairs 7 Director Sakiran Hajan, National Police Commission 7 Director Bernardo Calibo, and private individuals Henry Gaisano II, Danilo Cuneta, Antonio Auditor and Filomeno Lim.
Also awarded were the International Police, International Justice Mission, Cebu Pistol and Rifle Association, Aboitiz Group Foundation, Metro Gaisano and the Defense-PNP Press Corps.
Receiving plaques of recognition were Chief Supt. Federico Terte, retired Senior Supt. Jose Cosio and retired non-uniformed personnel Alfredo Damole.
Each receiving a Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod were Senior Supt. Vicente Loot, Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, Senior Supt. Louie Oppus, Senior Supt. Arturo Evangelista and Senior Supt. Augusto Marquez for their previous assignments as office directors. (MEA)
