BACOLOD CITY– Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. urged policemen to work harder as the salary increase for personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) takes effect this month.
“There’s no reason why they should not respond with good service for the people,” the governor said, adding that they should “not only double, but triple their efforts”.
Marañon issued the reminder during the traditional New Year’s Call of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), led by Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil Jr. at the Provincial Capitol here Tuesday.
He lauded the NOPPO personnel for their accomplishments in the past year as he committed anew the provincial government’s support for the police force.
Marañon said that Negros Occidental is relatively peaceful compared to other provinces.
“Thank you for your efforts so we will become peaceful. There’s no progress if there’s no peace,” the governor said, adding that there will also be no investors and tourists if the province is not peaceful.
“It’s very important that we continue to cooperate and be vigilant to make our province more progressive,” he added.
The NOPPO reported a 23.47 percent drop in crime incidents in 2017.
For 12 months last year, only 2,977 cases were reported, compared to 3,904 cases in 2016.
Castil attributed the lower crime incidents to the relentless police operations and the cooperation of the community.
NOPPO covers 31 police stations – 19 municipal and 12 city police stations. (PNA)
