No overkill in police deployment – PRO-6

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Police Chief Superintendent Cezar Hawthorne Binag refuted allegations of overkill in the deployment of police officers in Boracay Island.

The top cop of Western Visayas said the combined security measures of police and military was meant for a secured, peaceful environment and orderly implementation of the six-month Boracay rehabilitation.

PHOTO BORACAY PNP 

“Even without the directive of the President, it is our mandate to secure the island at kahit ibang places. Ang deployment is meant to ensure para sa tahimik at mapayapa na isla,” Binag stressed in a press briefing on April 25 in Boracay Island.

On Wednesday morning, heavily-armed officers and volunteers showed off their skills in hostage-taking and terrorist attacks in a capability demonstration exercises in White Beach to make sure they are ready in crisis situations.

Interior Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Dino, Philippine Army 3^rd Infantry Division Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, Commodore Joseph Badajos of Philippine Coast Guard Western Visayas and PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Deputy Director General Fernando Mendez, Jr. witnessed the capability demonstration exercises of security forces.

Mendez said “with the inter-agency deployment in capability exercises, the police are sending a clear message to the public that safety, security and order and the rule of law will be protected and upheld.”

“We are assessing our readiness and capabilities to make everything in order as the closure begins tomorrow. With all confidence, I could declare we are ready. The levels of preparations have been expanded, all stakeholders and the community in Boracay are involved in these efforts. We are prepared to address any kind of contingencies that may arise,” he stressed.

Mendez said the Boracay closure is temporary since the rehabilitation is aimed to revitalize tourism in the island.

Help is coming

Jetty port administrator Niven Maquirang said the provincial government of Aklan will help out in the demolition of existing structures affected by road widening starting April 26.

“Tutulong ang mga hired workers sa pag-pademolish na apektado ng road widening bukas. Diretso tayo kahit wala pa ang executive order galing sa national government,” he added.

Malay town mayor Ceciron Cawaling said the local government will allocate a supplemental budget to assist some 7,000 families affected by Boracay closure.

“Wala pa tayong specific amount para sa displaced workers at residents. May separate tayong assistance para kanila aside sa DOLE and DSWD,” the local official added.

The mayor said the LGU Malay has yet to establish the relocation sites for settlers in government-owned wetlands and forestlands.

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