ILOILO City – Pockets of security incidents at the close of 2020 did not affect the overall peace and order situation in Western Visayas during the 2020 Christmas and 2021 New Year celebrations.
There were no major crimes between Dec. 16, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2021, said Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
According to Miranda, there were no reported deaths and injuries from stray bullets, though there were two incidents.
There was also one case of illegal discharge of firearm involving a police officer in Negros Occidental.
According to police investigation, Executive Master Sergeant Renzy Lamboyong of Talisay City, Negros Occidental unnecessarily fired his gun during a commotion around 11 p.m. on Dec. 31.
The altercation was later settled but Lamboyong would still be placed under investigation, Miranda said.
“There was an amicable settlement. But we have to conduct an investigation. Administrative charges may be filed against him,” Miranda pointed out.
Despite these minor incidents, Miranda regarded the Yuletide season in Western Visayas as “generally peaceful.”
According to the PRO-6 chief, maximized police presence, information dissemination, border control, and social investigation helped reduce the crime volume during the holidays.
A total of 4,524 police commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers were deployed all over the region since Dec. 1.
“Another factor was the implementation of coronavirus disease 2019 protocols and the massive information drive on the prevention of crimes,” Miranda said.
He assured the public that PRO-6 will remain consistent in its effort to keep Western Visayas one of the most peaceful regions in the country.
Miranda likewise thanked the community and his men for their dedication and hard work shown in the performance of their duties in the year 2020./PN
