Negros police not affected by Bacolod cops controversy

NEGROS Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) Director Romeo Baleros said Thursday, January 17, the police in the province are not affected by the controversy hounding the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte named four BCPO officials, including its former chief, as drug protectors.

Baleros said the police in the province is still in high morale and determined to do their duties to protect the interest of the people.

However, he reminded the police to live a simple life and be contended of their salaries.

Baleros led the police officials in the province in their regular New Year's Call on Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. at the Provincial Capitol on Thursday.

For Marañon, he assured the police of continued support.

He also said that the provinces are expected to get higher shares from the Internal Revenue Allotment once the Supreme Court order becomes final of the “just share” of the local government units.

The governor also urged the police not to rest on their laurels and to achieve more and exceed what they have accomplished in the previous years to maintain the peace and progress achieved by the province.

Under validation

On the possible election watchlist areas in the province, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the police are still validating possible areas.

Comelec provincial supervisor Salud Milagros Villanueva said they continue to assess the situation especially areas with intense political rivalries, and with the presence of armed groups.

Areas previously identified to be priority areas were Isabela, Moises Padilla, E.B. Magalona, Toboso, and Salvador Benedicto. (TDE)