PEACE COUNCIL. Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla (in white barong) speaks during the provincial peace and order council on March 7, 2024. Petilla said that town mayors in the 3rd District of Leyte have expressed fear over the recent killing incidents involving village officials in their area. (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)
TACLOBAN CITY – Town mayors in the 3rd District of Leyte are optimistic that the additional police officers in their respective municipalities would allay fears over the recent killing incidents involving village officials in their area.
Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said security concerns were raised by local officials from five towns during the recent provincial peace and order council after the series of shooting incidents last month that killed five village officials.
“All concern in the 3rd District is about their safety and the safety of their families,” Petilla told reporters on Wednesday.
The 3rd District covers the towns of San Isidro, Tabango, Villaba, Leyte, and Calubian.
“The solution for this, like I said before, is more police force. Right now, a big chunk of our Philippine National Police forces are in the 3rd District, including our army,” he said.
“Am I confident? I am confident that we don’t have shooting incidents now, but I am not confident that there will be any killings when they leave. We are asking them not to leave the district unless the cases of killing are solved.”
On March 9, Leyte’s provincial police deployed an additional 389 police officers to beef up law enforcement operations.
Their presence would be reinforced by village watchmen to keep peace, order, and security in every village throughout the district.
Police Regional Office 8 (Eastern Visayas) Director, Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, witnessed the send-off ceremony held at the San Isidro Civic Center in San Isidro town.
“Their presence will not only enhance law enforcement capabilities but also strengthen the bond between the police and the residents they serve,” Pawid said. (PNA)
