LEGAZPI CITY – After the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, the Albay Police Provincial Office (PPO) spearheaded the simulation exercise on the assassination of a political leader on Monday, March 20 at the Albay Provincial Capitol.
“This was actually formed out of the very sad tragedy in Negros Oriental when the late Governor Roel Degamo was killed in a very heinous and atrocious manner,” Governor Edcel Grex Lagman said in his speech.
Provincial Director PCOL Fernando Cunanan Jr. said that the drill was a way to show the operational readiness of Albay PPO and allied security forces in responding to similar situations and any high-risk crisis encounters in the province.
“Hindi lang po sa pagpapa-impress kundi ipakita sa mga would-be violators/suspects/criminals na ang inyong Albay PPO ay ready at naka-prepare [sa kung ano mangyari] na wag sana mangyari katulad sa Negros,” Cunanan said when asked about his personal assessment of the simulation exercise.
Meanwhile, the said activity was presented with three different scenarios, including the assassination of the provincial governor, checkpoint and hot pursuit operations, and the establishment of thorough intelligence monitoring.
Public Information Officer PCPT Kharren Rañola Formales furthered that the participating security forces and the said activity aimed to show the public how the law enforcement units would combat any synonymous situation.
“Kasi kapag natatandaan niyo po iyong nangyari sa governor ng Negros Oriental na kung saan siya ay na-assassinate so gusto ng ating provincial director na mapaghandaan ang ganong sirkumstansya if ever na mangyari sa atin,” she said.
Cunanan Jr. expressed his gratitude for the participation of everyone that led to the success of the said drill and informed the public to report to the authorities if they see similar possible danger.
“Hinihingi ang kooperasyon [ng publiko] kung halimbawa may nakita na kahina-hinala, may nakita na possible na mangyari katulad ng nangyari sa Negros. Ipagbigay-alam agad sa ating kapulisan para maiwasan ang ganitong pangyayari,” Cunanan Jr. said. | Nicole Frilles
