Cops protesting “daily red alert status”

By Maricar M. Calubiran

Policemen in Iloilo City are silently protesting over the “daily red alert status” imposed by PNP Director for Western Visayas Chief Supt. Doroteo Reyes.

A cop who asked for anonymity said since Reyes assumed his post, the entire police in the region had been in “daily red alert status.” It is very hard for cops who are leaving outside the city. Reyes replaced Chief Supt. George Aliño. He assumed office first quarter of this year.

The source said this is the first time that this kind of scheme in maintaining peace and order had been imposed in different police units and even at Camp Delgado. A checker is assigned to keep track on the attendance of policemen. Cops should serve at least 12 hours everyday.

The source added that the red alert status is not in anyway related to the alleged plan of the New Peoples Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines to sow terroristic acts which includes the conduct of ambuscades or raids in police stations particularly in far flung municipalities.

The same source added that alleged destabilization plot and the controversy involving the First Family has nothing to do with the “daily red alert status.” The region is peaceful even if the people in Luzon are staging rallies.

Though, they are silently questioning the regional director's prerogative to effect what they dubbed as “daily red alert status”, they will not resolve in any adverse action. The cop urges that Reyes should take a second look on his management style. Reyes is not available for any comment.

Earlier, the same scheme was questioned by the members of the Iloilo City Police Office but they were told by Iloilo City Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Norlito Bautista that its matter of maintaining peace and order and same time to make the cops visible in their work place.