“Be calm, be alert” – Aklan PNP

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Amid the recent communist rebels attack in Iloilo province, the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) called on the public to remain calm yet alert. 

                                      PHOTO AKLAN PNP/PPSC

Acting Aklan police director Senior Superintendent Lope Manlapaz also reminded the police personnel to be alert at all times, although, Aklan is declared as insurgency-free province. 

Last June 18, communist guerrillas of Chiva Coronacion “Waling Waling” command raided the Maasin municipal police station at around 10:30 a.m. and carted away several firearms, equipments and police patrol vehicle.

The police chief of Maasin and the provincial police director of Iloilo were ordered relieved from their posts after the New People’s Army (NPA) attack. 

With this situation, Manlapaz urged the community to remain vigilant and to help provide information to the police and military. 

“Kailangan ang tulong ng mamamayan at mga kawani ng gobyerno sa pananatili ng katahimikan. Huwag tayong mag-atubiling ipaalam sa kapulisan at militar ang mga bagong mukha sa ating lugar,” he said.

The police official also assured the public that combined forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army vowed to stop the entry of terrorist or armed groups in Aklan. 

“Police and military are stepping up the security watch. Malaki ang posibilidad na ang Aklan at Boracay ay destinasyon din ng mga taga-Mindanao na apektado ng Marawi crisis,” he said.

Manlapaz said the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) also deployed more policemen to guard tourists and residents in Boracay Island.  

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.