ANTIQUE – The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) is urging elected and appointed officials not to be complacent against threats.
APPO director Col. Alexander Mariano, on Monday, said political leaders should always be conscious of their safety, despite Antique being peaceful with no private armies or criminal groups operating.
Mariano, upon the invitation of the provincial board, appeared at the regular session to provide threat and risk assessment for the province.
“Antiqueños are fortunate that they have a peaceful place to live, work and do business. But then, they should not be complacent,” said Mariano.
The director added that they do not have enough police personnel and could not provide security to every requesting official.
There are around 1,100 police personnel in Antique, so they only provide police security in convergence areas, he added.
With the officials’ consent, however, the police can conduct security surveillance inspections at their homes.
“Through a security survey in the homes of Antique’s political leaders, we could find strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations,” said Mariano.
Mariano also said the approval of police security personnel depends on the Philippine National Police chief, while the provincial director can only do so in extreme emergency cases but only for 15 days.
Mariano warned local officials not to be easily deceived by people wearing police or Philippine Army uniforms.
He advised checking vehicles for red plates or proper markings that belong to government authorities.
“The police have inventoried two shops in Antique selling police uniforms and advised them to make sure they are selling to proper authorities,” Mariano said.
He also said police uniforms are not supposed to be given as gifts to other people. (PNA)/PN
