Cuevas optimistic on Treñas’ request for add’l security but...
Given the circumstances, PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas is optimistic that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Committee on Firearms and Security will approve Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas’ request for additional police security.
“It will be approved,” Cuevas believed adding that they would immediately adhere to whatever the Comelec would decide.
But aside from personal security, it was added that the mayor also requested for deployment of additional policemen in Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
The request, it was gathered, also covered on the mayor’s house and the Treñas ancestral house occupied by his younger brother, Francis.
“Normally, security for houses or permanent area security is not covered. Usually, it’s the owner of the property who will provide security. But it’s still within the Comelec’s perusal if they will provide one or not,” Cuevas explained.
Treñas’ move to ask for additional security came after their ancestral house at Brgy. Taal, Molo district was lobbed with a grenade early morning of Tuesday.
Nobody was hurt during the incident but it created a stir on the peace and order of the metropolis considering that it was the second grenade-throwing incident involving Treñas.
Last March 8, a grenade was lobbed at Treñas’ family-owned bakeshop, which is located just beside the mayor’s house.
Meanwhile, as the approval is yet to be handed down by the Comelec, Cuevas said that they ordered an intensified police visibility all over Iloilo City.
After the incident, it was gathered that ICPO patrolled in the vicinity of Treñas’ house.
There was also deployment of police personnel but it might just be temporary.
It was gathered that police have also stepped up the conduct of checkpoints in strategic areas of Iloilo City.
“Checkpoints can deter most of the crimes that might happen,” Treñas was also quoted.
In the midst of threats against him and his family, the mayor claimed that he just wanted a peaceful and honest election.
“I don’t meddle with the investigation of the police. I trust on their capacity,” he said.