In the light of the recent killing of an Albay radio anchor, the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office last week assured members of local media of police protection against threats.
PNP Provincial Director PCol. Virgilio R. Buena said that the police is obligated to protect the media whatever issues they have in their work or personal relationships.
“We can validate threats, conduct background investigation and intelligence activities against possible threats,” he stated. “We can provide security if needed. Mas maganda masolusyonan natin ngayon kaysa mag-imbestiga tayo later.
Buena disclosed that the police leadership in Bicol is alarmed by what happened in Albay that the provincial police commands have been instructed to meet with their respective local media.
“We may not agree often on many things but I assure you the police is for the law and what is right,” he stressed as he assured that the last media killing in Catanduanes in 2016 will not happen again.
“Hindi lahat natutuwa sa ginagawa ninyo, we have to be careful and we have been instructed to keep you safe,” the island’s top cop advised. ““I don’t want to be relieved so please tell us if you have any concerns about your security.”
Last week’s meeting at E-Crown Hotel between the police leadership and the members of the CATPPO Press Corps headed by Marlon Suplig, dubbed as “Turuparan 2026,” was described by the police as an opportunity to establish a stronger working relationship, build mutual understanding, and recognize the important role that both the police and the media play in keeping communities informed safe and engaged.
“We may have different responsibilities and approaches in carrying out our respective duties, but we share a common interest which is the welfare of the Catandunganon. The police work is to enforce the law, prevent crime, protect lives, and ensure public safety, while the media helps the public understand the issues and developments that affect their communities. When these responsibilities are carried out with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to public service, our people stand to benefit,” PD Buena explained.
He reiterated that the Catanduanes police remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and the timely dissemination of accurate and verified information, consistent with operational security, applicable laws and established protocols.
“We welcome fair, responsible, and constructive reporting. We recognize that questions from the media are part of a healthy relationship between public institutions and the communities they serve. In the same way, we hope to maintain open lines of communication so that concerns may be clarified, information may be verified, and misunderstandings may be addressed promptly and professionally,” he concluded.
Later he agreed to the suggestion that the police should visit homes of the local media to familiarize themselves with area.
PCol. Buena also promised to schedule members of the media for shooting practice at the Camp Francisco Camacho firing range and to assist in helping them secure a license to own and possess a firearm or a Permit to Carry if necessary.
In the open forum that followed, Buena bared that administrative charges are set to be filed against Obi barangay captain Lorenzo Zuniega over the recent illegal gold mining activity in Cabungahan, San Andres that involved residents of Obi.
“We do not tolerate illegal activities here,” he declared, belying the village chief’s claim that he had reported the activity to three police chiefs in succession.
He said that it was the parish priest who reported the matter to the police and that Zuniega has been largely silent about the illegal mining and justified it by saying it was the only livelihood left to the people of Obi.
Suspecting that abaca farmers from the barangay were tipping off gold miners whenever the police set off to find them, Col. Buena revealed that the police team deployed at the barangay hall was left on station while personnel from other units were directed to the mining site by another route, leading to the arrest of seven individuals.
One of the surviving miners told the police director that even if they are arrested, they will come back again and again.
With regards to the shooting of an Indian national in San Andres, he disclosed that a suspect has been arrested following backtracking done by the local police headed by PMaj. Francis Tabo I that traced his location despite the suspect changing his clothes and motorcycle.
On the controversial leakage on social media of the mugshot of former Governor Joseph Cua, the police director reasoned that it could not be prevented as the report passed through many hands as it went from the police station to the provincial and regional offices.
On the other hand, PLt. Col. Emsol Icawat said he is set to turnover to the Virac MPS the responsibility over the shabu laboratory in Palta Small prior to his impending retirement.
He bared that the building, damaged by past typhoons and now open to the elements, still stored toxic substances deemed by authorities as too dangerous to transport.
The big steel gate has collapsed, he said, but the building’s windows have been sealed with barbed wire to prevent intruders and mobile patrols visit the site regularly.
Also present during gathering were PLtCol. Joceric O Dela Peña, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations; PLtCol. Elezaldy C. Calingacion, chief of the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit; PMaj Ariel R Buraga, acting chief of the Provincial Police Plans Unit; and PMaj Jumar A. Delavin, assistant chief of the Provincial Operations Management Unit.