By Lizbeth Ann Abella/PNA
TACLOBAN CITY — A top regional official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) here has asked his men to ensure their personal safety after the recent killing of two police officers in Leyte.
Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said he does not want a repeat of what happened to the two policemen attacked by still unidentified assailants, especially because some cops are on conditional holiday break.
“Though we have not seen a pattern that these killings were planned attacks on the police force in the region, it is always ideal to be on the lookout for their personal safety, especially this holiday season,” Carlos told reporters Thursday night.
The regional police chief also suggested that police officers must not put a pattern on their activities as precautionary measures.
Carlos reiterated this reminder after a junior police officer was gunned down near the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in this city. The incident happened on December 23 while the victim was on his way home after his duty.
Two months ago, motorcycle-riding gunmen also attacked a police officer in Palo, Leyte.
Meanwhile, Carlos commended the entire police force in the region for the generally peaceful Christmas celebration and 50th anniversary of the New People’s Army last December 26.
Although some police officers are on conditional break, they were asked to report to the nearest police station on December 31 to augment the force for the New Year revelry.
“We hope the zero casualty and ‘no major incident’ during Christmas Day will be replicated this New Year,” he added.
