By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Police Colonel Alex Recinto from Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 (Central Visayas) is the new director of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (Norppo).
Recinto replaced Police Colonel Reynaldo Lizardo, who was relieved from his post effective March 22.
Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, PRO-7 director, presided over the turnover ceremony in Negros Oriental yesterday.
The change in the provincial police leadership came barely three weeks after Governor Roel Ragay Degamo and eight others were killed in a gun attack at his residence in Pamplona town on March 4.
In his message, Recinto said that he received an order from the national authorities to bring justice to Degamo and the other victims.
“We will leave no stones unturned in the investigation,” he added.
Ten suspects, including nine “direct participants” linked to the killing, have been accounted for by authorities. Four were arrested, while six others recently surrendered.
As he assumed greater responsibilities, Recinto vowed to intensify community-oriented policing efforts to gain the trust and confidence of the people with the police through active engagement in local communities, youth organizations, and other stakeholders to identify and address their concerns.
He is also pushing for the enhancement of the intelligence investigation capabilities of the policemen to identify and neutralize criminal elements, particularly those involved in the illegal drug trade.
He said they will also work closely with their partners and other law enforcement agencies to gather and analyze intelligence in order to conduct target operations and bring criminals to justice.
He also vowed to dismantle private armed groups and intensify illegal drugs campaign through police operations.
Recinto also vowed to uphold integrity and professionalism to ensure that personnel are equipped with the necessary skills, resources, and support to carry out their duties.
Lizardo, who served the provincial police office for four months, said that the past months have been challenging since quite a number of shooting incidents happened. But, he said that they have exerted effort to maintain peace and order in the province.
Meanwhile, Aberin said the recent setback has opened their eyes once again that there is no room for fault or failure because it can cost innocent lives, not only of a leader but the ordinary people in the community.
“Ang sinusundan natin is iyong mandato ng PNP. Hindi iyong sa elected official. Huwag tayong pagamit sa kanila, magpagamit tayo sa kanila kung sa legal na pamamaraan,” Aberin said.
Aberin said they will work tirelessly, gather all the necessary evidence and bring those involved to court to face the consequences of their actions.
“It is our duty to ensure that justice is served, and we will do everything in our power to uphold the rule of law and bring closure to those affected by these tragic events,” he added.
Aberin also directed the police to dismantle organized and private armed groups to put an end to senseless killings, citing the assassination of Degamo, which he believed was done by a private armed group.
“Kung may nakikita tayong private armed groups, or potential private armed group, tibagin na natin, banggain na natin. Huwag na nating hintayin pa na lumaki pa. That is the marching order. Sa simula pa lang putulin na natin,” Aberin said.
Aberin said that it is the duty of the police to address the concerns of the people of Negros, as he assured them that the police force will protect them against all forms of crimes.
He also stressed that they should remain vigilant because there is no room for complacency in their profession.
