BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA AND RUBY SILUBRICO
BACOLOD City – Policemen must always keep their eyes wide open.
This was the stern directive of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) following the flak drawn by cops from E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental.
The said police personnel were caught sleeping while on duty by no less than Atty. Joseph Celis, director of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Region 6.
“I’m always telling my men, especially the police chiefs, to man their stations and always be aware of the enemies. Dapat nakabantay sila. What if may kalaban? Ma-corner sila lahat,” PRO-6 director, Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda told Panay News.
E.B. Magalona’s police chief, Lieutenant John Paul Tabujara, accepted responsibility over the incident. He was relieved by Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) director, Police Colonel Romy Palgue.
Police Captain Erik Doronila replaced Tabujara.
NOCPPO is also conducting further investigation.
On the other hand, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) advised to its personnel to always be on alert, too.
Police Lieutenant Ma. Liberty Indiape, BCPO spokesperson, said they regularly inspect their police stations.
Personnel are constantly being refreshed to prepare for unexpected incidents, according to Indiape.
She added that their personnel also assured they will stick to their duties at all times, and that sleeping on duty will not be tolerated.
Friday last week, Celis said, it took the stunned E.B. Magalona policemen some 15 minutes to organize themselves and get into formation after he found them sleeping on the job.
“If the result of the investigation is positive that they neglected their duties…instead of securing the police station and the people, they will be slapped with an administrative case. This is my last warning to them, once may mahuli na may natutulog at wala sia sa kanyang area, they will be sanctioned,” Miranda added./PN
