PNP Bukidnon chief urges lawmakers to pass anti-terror bill
Cagayan de Oro City (14 October) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Bukidnon Senior Superintendent Archie Francisco Gamboa recently released a directive to all PNP station heads in the province regarding the proposed deputization of Barangay Peace and Safety Officers (BPSOs), also known as Bantay Bayan or Civilian Volunteers
The directive was made in accordance with Executive Order 546, which orders the PNP to actively support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in internal security operations for the suppression of insurgency and other serious threats to national security.
Gamboa said they are waiting for the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill for the security forces to be given more teeth and a better fighting chance in dealing with the remaining terror cells in the country even as he urges lawmakers to do something about it now lest more lives will be put at risk.
However, Gamboa declared taht “maintaining peace and order in the province as well as in the country will not be done solely by the PNP and the AFP.” He also urged civilians to help the government in the fight against terrorism.
He also emphasized that the PNP is not closing its doors to the NPA who would wish to return to the folds of society. (PIA-10) [top]