BICOL VISIT. PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas delivers his speech during his command visit to Camp Gen. Simeon Ola in Legazpi City, Albay on Thursday (Nov. 26, 2020). Sinas also led the distribution of relief aid to police officers affected by recent typhoons in the region and other activities. (Screengrab from PRO 5 Facebook live video)
LEGAZPI CITY – Some 2,268 policemen affected by the recent typhoons that hit the Bicol Region got relief assistance here on Thursday.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, in a ceremony at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 headquarters in Camp Gen. Simeon Ola, handed over sacks of rice, cash assistance, and other relief items to the calamity-affected cops.
Sinas also gave cash rewards to several policemen who had made remarkable deeds amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, including busting big illegal drug activities and arresting most wanted persons, including a 74-year old member of the New People’s Army (NPA) facing multiple murder and frustrated murder charges.
Awardees of the Medalya ng Kagalingan were Lt. Col. Rodel Pescuela; Lt. Nestor Callos; Pat. Lemuel Oliva; Maj. Aldin Orquita; S/Sgt. Edwin Salcedo; Cpl. Vicente Sarcia II; Lt. Domingo Balla; Senior M/Sgt. Marvic Boral; and Cpl. Regie Vinas.
Awarded with Medalya ng Pagtulong sa Nasalanta were Col. Benjamin Balingbing Jr.; Maj. Domingo Tapel; S/Sgt. Lizyl Pineda and Lt. Segundo Romano.
Sinas also turned over five patrol jeep single cabs (4x2) to the local governments of Basud and Vinzons in Camarines Norte; Aroroy in Masbate; and Sta. Magdalena and Barcelona in Sorsogon.
Camp Gen. Simeon Ola was also given two helicopters to be used in bringing relief items to isolated places that are the hardest hit by typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses.
“We will leave here in your disposal these two helicopters so that you could respond immediately to areas that remain isolated by the typhoons from the town proper, particularly in the island province of Catanduanes,” Sinas said in his speech.
Sinas also thanked the policemen who braved the dangers of the typhoons if only to serve those people in distress.
“I am pleased to see you now to have moved on already despite the disasters that befall you. Thank you for your dedicated service,” the PNP chief said.
He also told the police to implement the directives of President Duterte, including the fight against illegal drugs, the anti-insurgency campaign, and anti-terrorism.
“President Duterte wants us to accomplish all his directives because it is the only way to achieve peace and progress in our country,” Sinas said in mixed English and Filipino.
Sinas had also officially accepted at least 50 rebels who voluntarily surrendered to the police.
“Let’s accept them if they want to go back to the folds of the law and live a normal life again,” Sinas added.
As to the illegal gambling activities, he said that it “must be stopped” as these are enormously affecting the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO) operations in raising and providing funds for health programs, medical assistance, and other charity programs.
“The illegal operations make gambling lords richer while hurting the government revenue-raising program aimed to help poor families in the countryside,” he said.
Reports noted that gambling syndicates are making a big take by riding on the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) STL Lottery game by engaging in “bookies” operations.
Sinas also warned his men that under his watch the anti-corruption drive in PNP would be strengthened as the “no-take” policy would be strictly followed.
“We will deal with any police officers who would violate this policy once found guilty of receiving money from gambling lords, drug syndicates and unscrupulous businessmen,” he said.
He also presented his Finance Reform Program where operational funds of all police units from the regional down to the police “cutting edge” units would be transacted at the Land Bank of the Philippines.
Sinas ordered for regular conduct of surprise random drug tests among policemen.
During the visit, he turned over five vehicles to police stations, held a groundbreaking for a health facility at the camp, and led a command conference. (PNA)
