PRO-7 policemen back from Zambo

The policemen from the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas who were sent to to reinforce government security forces in Zamboanga City and later to Jolo, Sulu returned to their home base in Cebu ending their 58-day tour in the restive south.

The policemen were given honors at the PRO-7 headquarters yesterday in ceremonies led by their commander, Chief Supt. Danilo Constantino.

Constantino said the whole PRO-7 police force is proud of them.

There were 130 members of the Regional Public Safety Battalion who were sent to Zamboanga City on September.

They were later sent to Jolo in Sulu province to serve as Board of Election Tellers in the Oct. 28 barangay elections as public school teachers refused to go on poll duty.

One of the policemen however will be facing investigation for failing to join the PRO-7 contingent to Jolo.

RPSB commander Clifford Gairanod said PO1 Nino Dahili sought permission to return to Cebu ahead of the rest of the contingent, but he disapproved the request.

Dahili then left his M-16 rifle with a junior police officer and went home to Cebu.

Constantino said Dahili’s actions constitute abandonment of post and he has to undergo disciplinary action.

Constantino ordered Gairanod to submit a report so that a pre-charge investigation will be initiated.

Wives, girlfriends and relatives attended the welcome ceremony of the “hero policemen” yesterday.

Fatima Tana, a teacher and wife of PO1 Mc Denie Tana said: “I thank God that they are finally back and safe,” she said.

Another policeman, PO1 John Palao, shared that they encountered MNLF rebels twice.

Gairanod admitted that a Mindanao posting is hard and very risky compared to an assignment in Central Visayas.

Most of all, he is thankful that all of them are back safe.  /CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON