By Cindy Ferrer/PNA
ILOILO CITY — The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) has already deployed forces to provide security for the PHP11.2-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP) II construction in Calinog, Iloilo.
In an interview Monday, Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, Regional Director of PRO-6, said the deployment was in response to the request of Mayor Alex Centena last Oct. 31 to beef up the security, particularly in the mountainous villages of Agcalaga, Cahigon and Alibunan, due to information about the suspected presence of New People’s Army (NPAs) in the areas.
Bulalacao said they have deployed full complement or one platoon from the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) at the area.
“We are also augmented by a number of personnel from the Philippine Army. So, jointly, we are securing the area especially the movement of the contractors from downtown Calinog to the project site,” he said.
Bulalacao said a threat is normal for this kind of multi-billion project that is still opposed by some rebel groups.
Hence, they maintain their ‘full alert’ status in the area.
“Once in a while, they are conducting prophylactic patrols and combat operations to ensure that the area is free from NPA incursions,” he said.
Bulalacao added they have also close coordination with the Philippine Army to have well-coordinated plans for the security for the workers and contractors of the mega dam project.
In a previous interview with Centena, he disclosed that more than 10 contractors of the Daewoo Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd. are now building their barracks and motor pool at the 10-hectare land.
Centena also said there are heavy equipment deployed in the area like dump trucks, bulldozers, and backhoes.
A contract was signed between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and Daewoo Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd last September for the construction of the project.
The ground breaking of the project is expected on the last week of November, or first week of December.
