Rep. Co asks for heightened patrols in Bicol after cop shot dead in Legazpi

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has called for deploying more police officers, particularly Special Action Force (SAF) troopers, to the Bicol Region, after a police officer from Legazpi, Albay was shot dead by still unknown assailants.

In a statement on Friday, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said that the peace and order situation in Bicol must be maintained as several projects are being implemented to lift the region from poverty.

Co was referring to the killing of Police S/Sgt. Abel Sevilla was shot dead last Wednesday morning at Legazpi’s Barangay Homapon, while he was on his way to work.  The lawmaker said he had asked SAF acting director Police Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. for additional police personnel in the region.

READ: Cop shot dead in Legazpi City 

“No member of the police force, especially those with a good moral character like Police Sgt. Sevilla should be subjected to this kind of violence. (We) made a formal request to Police Brigadier General Rudolph Dimas and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. for additional SAF personnel to conduct patrols and ensure peace and order in the region,” Co said.

Investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, but Co mentioned that the issue of insurgency should already merit adequate security for the people of Albay.

The lawmaker, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, also asked individuals who may know about the shooting to come forward and aid in the investigation.

“We will not tolerate this form of violence in our region. There is no place for violence in our society. We must work together to achieve a peaceful and secure environment for all. Bicol should progress without violence,” Co said.

“We call on the perpetrators of this heinous crime to surrender and face the consequences of their actions. Let us work together towards a peaceful and prosperous Bicol region,” he added.

According to reports, the victim suffered different gunshot wounds on the head and other body parts, which immediately caused his death.

Albay Police spokesperson Lt. Kharren Formales said in a report that all stations were alerted and directed to conduct checkpoint operations to apprehend the assailants.

JMS/abc