Guv to Negocc cops: Be legal and moral
NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called on the PNP officials in the province not just to be legal troops, but to be moral as well in dealing with problems involving criminality, illegal drugs and insurgency.
Lacson during the New Year’s call of the Negros Occidental Police to him empasized that while the task of policemen and women involves the legal use of force to implement the law, while
necessary and required, sometimes meet with resistance from those subject to it.
There were instances in the past years where authorities in Negros Occidental have to defend themselves in performing their official functions, especially at the height of Oplan Tokhang campaign in 2016 , where drug personalities had been killed.
This is part where your job gets more complex, especially in the face of public scrutiny, Lacson told key staff officers of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office led by Col. Romy Palgue, chiefs of police and mobile force company commanders.
“Police work requires a great balancing act between law enforcement and the preservation of liberty,” he pointed out.
Lacson urged Negros Occidental police officers to continue building a God centered and Service Oriented PNP, for the sake the nation, and for the good cops who continue to work and sacrifice for the community.
Palgue thanked Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer and the provincial government, local chief executives and other stakeholders for their support in their law and order campaign, that made the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office ranked number one in the performance evaluation rating in Western Visayas, among provincial and highly urbanized city police offices last year.
Lacson also acknowledged NOCPPO for their selfless service as frontliners in the campaign against the Covid-19 pandemic, which at times were rendered beyond the limits of endurance, which he deeply admired and appreciated.
And for our men and women in uniform whom we lost in this war against the Covid-19, may we honor their sacrifice with our continued courage and service up to the day that humanity will be free again, he said.
Lascson also emphasized the need for police visibility in all towns and cities of Negros Occidental., stressing also that it will create trust and connection to the people, especially in this time that the people need more reassurance.
The sound coordination and relations between the police force, local government units and the citizenry is imperative more than ever, not just for the promotion of the law, order and public safety, but also for the effective delivery of public services, the governor said./tde