BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) is set to deploy additional forces to San Joaquin town following a tense verbal exchange between Mayor Ninfa Garin and Vice Mayor Marvigrace Getuya on October 3.
IPPO director Polic Colonel Bayani Razalan confirmed the plan to boost police presence in the province’s southernmost town through an augmentation team that will focus on setting up checkpoints and enhancing visibility, particularly in light of the upcoming election season.
“Given the current strength of our police force there, we are planning to augment the personnel, especially in that area. Their primary task will be checkpoint duties and ensuring police visibility,” said Razalan.
The reinforcement team, comprising seven officers from the Provincial Mobile Force Company, will be stationed in San Joaquin, and Razalan is also considering assigning an official to oversee operations.
The exact duration of the augmentation has yet to be determined, as it will depend on the recommendations and outcomes from the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC).
“We will assess the situation based on the JPSCC’s recommendation. As long as the assessment shows a need for them to stay, we won’t withdraw the team,” Razalan added.
Iloilo 1st District’s Cong. Janette Garin clarified that family dispute led to the recent falling out between Mayor Garin and Vice Mayor Getuya who were both relatives.
During an interview with DYFM Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Cong. Garin explained that what transpired was simply a family disagreement, noting that the relationship between the mayor and vice mayor was previously cordial.
According to Cong. Garin, the root of the disagreement was the Getuya family-donated lot where the San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital stands./PN
