The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) has proposed a PHP24-million security plan for funding of the provincial government in the next three years.
Col. Romeo Baleros, police provincial director, said on Tuesday that he presented the concept of operation of the “Negros Occidental Shield” to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson during their meeting recently.
“We discussed how the security plan will be implemented to prevent the entry of contraband in the province and we also presented the corresponding budget for its successful implementation,” he added.
Baleros said the security plan covers five phases — prediction, prevention, preparation, performance, and post-activities.
“The governor has a positive response. We are in the same frequency, we have to ensure the safety of the Negrosanon,” he said, adding that Lacson told him that he will discuss the proposal with the Provincial Board and the mayors of Negros Occidental.
Baleros said policemen have already started implementing the security plan, particularly in commercial ports and private wharves to prevent the entry of explosives, cache of firearms, illegal drugs, and terrorist elements.
The preparation phase will involve the training of personnel.
“What we will enhance is the unit’s capability to shoot, investigate, move and communicate. We have to conduct training on intelligence, basic investigation, and criminal investigation,” Baleros said.
“We have to equip our investigators appropriate tactics and techniques on how to pin down our enemy through legal means,” he added.
Baleros said additional equipment will also be acquired for the use of police personnel.
“Part of our capability enhancement is Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training. We have to equip our personnel with complete gear,” he added.
Baleros said he has discussed with the governor the possibility of setting up a SWAT team for each of the 31 police stations in the province. (Nanette Guadalquiver, NDB)