PRO-6 to work closely with AFP vs rebel attacks
The Police Regional Office 6 will closely coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines units in Western Visayas in monitoring the reported resurgence of the New People’s Army activities in the region.
This was the assurance of Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr., police regional director, to the military as he directed the local police units concerned to investigate the firing at an Army detachment in San Remegio, Antique and the torching of a delivery van in Leon, Iloilo last Monday.
“Gather more witnesses to identify the perpetrators so that cases of robbery and destruction of property by arson can be filed in court against the perpetrators,” he ordered.
Pagdilao directed all police stations to strengthen its intelligence operations as well as police community relations, and mobilize the community to defend itself against communist terrorists attacks or influence.
He said that all chiefs of police and station commanders especially in far-flung areas of Western Visayas must fortify their defenses and be more vigilant against attacks on police stations and other vital government installations.
Pagdilao directed Chief Insp. Nelvin Ricohermoso, commander of the 3rd Maneuver Battalion of the Regional Public Safety Battalion based in Panay, to identify stations located in rebel-affected areas and reinforce these stations with additional personnel to deter possible attacks.
At noontime Monday, five rebels hijacked the L-300 van driven by Jomarie Regalado Tuadles along with salesman Rey Ginetilo.
The group, who introducted themselves as NPA, boarded their vehicle from Leon Public Market and upon reaching their destination, took the two men’s P270,000 collection money and stocks, and then burned the L-300 van.
Pagdilao said that activities such as robbery and burning of consumer goods will discourage businessmen from investing in Western Visayas.
