Legislators are asking the Philippine National Police to grant local chief executives more security personnel in view of the recent killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo. But why and who will pay for that. And who will be responsible for protecting the citizens against crimes and other inconveniences?
Not that we are saying that Degamo was killed because of his sins towards the people. For all we know he was very kind, considerate and generous towards his constituents. But what about his political opponents. You see, killings are done by those who perceive themselves as losers in a race—whether for positions, for wealth, for fame and what not. If they feel they have been shortchanged, their opponents will certainly bear the brunt of their fury and vengeance or vendetta.
Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, chief of the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, said the PNP and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) met with the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines, League of Governors and the League of Mayors on Tuesday to discuss the matter.
"What was discussed was the provision of Protective Security Personnel, to those who are allowed, including private individuals and an increase is possible through the protocols set up for the provision of PSP's and PA's protective agents," he said.
For all we know, each LGU chief would also ask for security protection for his entire family and extended families. So who will be left for the entire country?
"For now the move of the PNP is [to] provide additional security personnel for those with validated threat assessment and for the others who wish to avail of PSPs and PAs," Baccay added.
Baccay said the PNP limits PSPs to only two per local chief executive. But lawmakers (who are local officials also) pressed the PNP for more security, expressing fears for their own safety. That means 340 legislators (24 senators and 316 congressmen).
House Committee on Public Order and Safety Chair Rep. Dan Fernandez flagged the PNP for failing to prevent the death of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Rep. Sancho Fernando Oaminal (Misamis Occidental 2nd District) pointed out that Degamo had been the subject of validated threats and why was it not prevented. To this, Oaminal proposed augmenting security for congressmen. What the hell!
Baccay said each member of the House of Congress is allowed 2 and under extreme and emergency cases may add up to 6. With the recent incidents, the attendees asked for more and that's what I meant by studying the increase in the number of bodyguards," Baccay explained.
Baccay agreed with Fernandez's call for the PNP to conduct fresh threat assessments.
Baccay added that the local officials were also assured that the PNP is intensifying operations against guns for hire and their firearms.
The PNP will also be setting up check points in certain areas, said Baccay.
What have these representatives of the people to fear, if they had done their jobs judiciously and served the people well, they must have nothing to fear.