Legislators urged: Help local PNP

CEBU, Philippines - A high ranking official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who headed the Annual General Inspection (AGI) at the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is asking local representatives to assist the police in improving their equipments and facilities.

Despite the praises heaped on CCPOs successful performance in yesterday’s AGI, Police Supt. Gerry Galvan, team leader of the AGI inspectors, urged representatives “to look into the problem of the local PNP.”

During yesterday’s demonstration, Galvan noticed that the CCPO Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) used improvised equipments during their clash with protesters.

In fact, several of the CDM members’ shields shattered when hit by actors during their demonstration.

He also noted based on last year’s AGI report that most of the police stations in the city are constructed or located in government-owned lots and offices respectively.

“Sa last year report sa AGI, mostly mga informal settlers ang mga police stations nila (CCPO),” he said.

Even with old buildings, the AGI inspector has noticed the efforts of the CCPO to improve their image. “The CCPO is already taking the initiative to beautify the image of the PNP,” he said.

Galvan also praised the active participation of the local community during yesterday’s AGI inspection.

“Nakita ko ang kanilang preparations, kasama talaga ang peace and order council, from the mayor, even the city director take part in the critical incident management scenario,” he said.

“Sa critical incident management, (CCPO is) one of the best sa nakita ko, very satisfactory sila at nakita natin ang kanilang operational preparedness,” he said.

He even compared the CCPO performance with that of Davao City and Zamboanga City Police stations, adding that the CCPO’s performance was “executed swiftly.”

However what sets them apart with Davao and Zamboanga City is that they are all well equipped compared to CCPO.

“Well equipped sila (Davao and Zam-boanga)…provided by the Australians and Americans… But with regards training and performance, maayo sila (CCPO),” he said.

Police personnel from the CCPO joined nearly two hours of demonstration for the AGI inspection. Highlights of the demonstration included robbery, hostage, fire and several other scenarios.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) – 7 also underwent the AGI and demonstrated similar scenarios.

Chief Supt. Louie Opus, deputy director for operations of the PRO-7, complimented his men for the good demonstration, adding that they still need to improve. 

“We really need to practice and practice some more sa atong overall,” he said.

Opus is very happy that because of their satisfactory demonstration, they are still considered one of the contenders for the best police force nationally together with other police regional offices in Luzon.

“We are consistent sa country, di man ta ma ingon nga perpekto mao nga mag sige ta og practice… we need to be consistent so that our service will also be consistent,” he said.

The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) for their part, are aiming for very satisfactory or excellent ratings for their AGI.

Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, provincial director of the CPPO, considers the AGI which will end on Friday, a success after they worked on their weak points which were identified during last year’s AGI.

“Nakumpleto man namo ang among kinahanglang i-improve ron,” Comendador said.

Though there were minor defects noted during the inspection, Comendador, said that it was only based on an individual observation.

Among the minor defects noted by Superintendent Alma Teresita Opelanio, from the Camp Crame and who conducted the AGI, were dirty buckles and possessing expired identification cards.

Opelanio advised the police to improve and work on what they lack.

She will also be conducting a simultaneous security inspection test and evaluation on other stations within Cebu province before she leaves on Friday where an exit briefing will also be made at the Police Regional Office-7. – Ryan Christopher J. Sorote and Ria (FREEMAN)