Escudero challenges PNP: Quicken peace, order drive in Sorsogon

LEGAZPI CITY –– Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to accelerate its peace and order campaign in the province following recent attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) in some of its towns.

Escudero gave the instruction during the inaugural ceremony of the P170 million new PNP provincial building in Sorsogon City on Tuesday.

The governor was referring to at least five clashes between government troops and suspected NPA guerrillas since early this year, the latest of which was on Oct. 17 when a suspected rebel was killed in an encounter in Bulan town.

The governor, along with Police Brigadier General Bartolome Bustamante, led local and regional officials in the inauguration of the three-story edifice at Camp Salvador Escudero Sr., which was named after the grandfather of the governor.

The building sits on a more than two-hectare lot along Magsaysay Street in Sorsogon City. It was constructed with funding provided by Escudero when he was a senator.

The governor said he looked forward to a better and more efficient police service to the public.

Bustamante, in response to Escudero’s challenge, promised that his men will do their best to serve and protect the people of Sorsogon. #

ZB