BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO City – The 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the historic Plaza Libertad here yesterday became a platform for the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) to reaffirm its personnel’s dedication to service and protection.
“The preservation of peace and order and the protection of lives and property are crucial,” said Police Brigadier General Archival Macala, the PRO-6’s Deputy General Director for Administration, in his keynote speech.
It was in Plaza Libertad where the Philippine flag was raised on Dec. 25, 1898 during the Philippine Revolution – two years after national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s execution – after Spaniards surrendered to the local troops led by Ilonggo hero General Martin Delgado.
“Our police force is here to apprehend criminals and prevent crimes,” stressed Macala.
The Philippine National Police is the armed national police force in the country. Its national headquarters is located at Camp Crame in Quezon City, and it has regional offices, including the PRO-6 in Western Visayas.
Among the PNP’s functions are law enforcement; maintenance of peace and order and public safety; prevent and investigate crimes and bring offenders to justice; detain an arrested person/s for a period not beyond what is prescribed by law; implement pertinent laws and regulations on firearms and explosives control; and supervise and control the training and operations of security and investigation agencies.
Macala acknowledged the growing security needs of Iloilo City and the city government’s request for additional police stations.
“Our beloved (M)ayor (Jerry Treñas) requested the creation of additional police stations, and we are hopeful that this will be granted,” said Macala, addressing the Plaza Libertad gathering that included the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) led by Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, city government officials, and employees.
“Events like this renew the commitment and camaraderie among (those in the) government sector,” he said. “Isa pong malaking karangalan ang mairepresenta ang mga kapulisan sa pagdiriwang ng isang daan at dalawampu’t anim na taon ng ating kalayaan bilang bansa.”
On Nov. 17, 2003 the National Historical Institute declared Plaza Libertad a national historical landmark./PN
