BACOLOD CITY — Before involving the legal use of force to implement the law, police officers in Negros Occidental were urged to maintain moral authority as crime fighters.
This was Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson’s call to cops of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) to maintain a balance between law enforcement and preservation of liberty.
“It is for this reason that I urge all of you to be not just legal troops, but to be moral troops as well,” Lacson said in his speech as the guest of honor during the flag-raising ceremony of NOCPPO led by Colonel Romeo Baleros at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. on Monday.
He noted that as the police task involves the legal use of force to implement the law, they can meet resistance, but he told Negrense policemen to avoid the unnecessary loss of lives while fighting crimes.
“It was just a reminder to our police personnel that while (they) are tasked to go against (crimes) especially illegal drugs, (they) should always remember that (they) are dealing with a human being,” Lacson told reporters after the program.
“While we will be firm in the war against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality, we make sure we avoid unnecessary loss of lives. That instruction has also been very clear from the President, to only strike when you have to defend yourself,” he added.
Lacson lauded also Philippine National Police chief General Oscar Albayalde for implementing an internal cleansing of the police ranks to build a God-centered, service-oriented, and family-based police force.
“The people need to see that the PNP is their ally, guardian, defender, and protector,” he said.
The governor added that the people’s interest should be the government and the police’s primary concern, in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s goal to work together to defeat the ills of drugs, other forms of crime, corruption that stunt the country’s development.
Moreover, Lacson expressed his appreciation to the Negrense policemen for their selfless and courageous service, especially in times of danger as a consequence of law enforcement.
“Thank you for your bravery and commitment to service,” the governor added.
He likewise expressed his confidence and trust in the Negros Occidental police force.
“I know that together, we can make Negros Occidental a place where crimes are prevented, where liberties are protected, where peace and order are upheld, and most of all, where people are secure,” the governor said.
Lacson added that as an advocate of consultative leadership, he assures the Negros Occidental police force of support by his administration.
“I want to assure you that the provincial government will do its best to support the programs of the PNP, to formulate together with stakeholders more ways to progress and improve,” he said. (With a report from PNA/PN)
