Negros Occ LGU to help settle rift in Escalante

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Negros Occidental provincial government vows to help settle the rift between Escalante City government officials and the Philippine National Police over the withdrawal of support of city officials to the police, and the relief of 12 city policemen “without justifiable reason.”

Provincial Legal Officer Jose Ma. Valencia, also the chief of staff of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., said the provincial LGU is willing to thresh out the issue for the sake of protecting the public welfare, and peace and order.

Valencia said he and acting governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. will discuss the matter with Marañon who was scheduled to return from a trip to Taiwan.

Alvarez he said wanted to settle the dispute within the shortest possible time while Valencia said they will discuss political and other issues concerning the controversy.

“I am amenable to the idea for the Capitol to meddle in the rift between the two offices. They need to settle their differences as soon as possible because what is being affected is public service,” Valencia said.

Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. got insulted when, without his prior permission or knowledge, the Police Regional Office-6 removed 12 policemen from his city.

Valencia said public safety is of utmost concern now, and whatever the consequences, a dialogue is needed on the issue instead of confrontation. - THE FREEMAN