A FEBRUARY 11 road tragedy in Misamis Oriental which killed seven policemen and injured 28 others has prompted Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. to order a review of duty and training protocols to ensure the safety and protection of all members of the force.

Last week, the top cop flew to Cagayan de Oro to talk with officers and men of the Police Regional Office 10 who are mourning the untimely death of seven of their colleagues in a vehicular accident in Naawan, Misamis Oriental.

In a meeting with PRO10 personnel led by Brigadier Gen. Lawrence B. Coop, the PNP chief discussed policies and procedures that govern the safety of policemen while on training or on duty.

Gen. Azurin emphasized the importance of reviewing and updating these protocols to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

“We must ensure that our police officers are safe while they perform their duties. This means that we must identify the potential risks and hazards that they might face and implement measures to minimize them. We need to have comprehensive protocols and guidelines in place to protect our personnel,” he said.

The top cop said that safety and well-being of their personnel are of utmost importance and thus, all necessary measures must be taken to prevent accidents like that in Misamis Oriental from happening again.

“We will work closely with our personnel to identify the causes of the accident and implement appropriate preventive measures,” he said.

Apart from the seven cops, one retired police officer and a civilian were also killed as a result of the accident.

Gen. Azurin was joined by Major Gen. Jon A. Arnaldo, PNP Director for Human Resource and Doctrine Development, and National Police Training Institute director, Maj. Gen. Medardo A. Posadas in meeting the PRO10 officials.

Gen. Azurin, along with PNP Director for Comptrollership, Maj. Gen. Jesus D. Cambay Jr. and PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Services director, Brig. Gen. Niño David L. Rabaya expressed their condolences to the families of the seven policemen-fatalities as they handed over financial assistance to them.

“I understand that no amount of financial assistance can fully ease the pain of losing a loved one, but I hope that this small gesture from the PNP will help ease the burden on the bereaved families during this difficult time,” the PNP chief said.

He also visited the policemen who were injured and are currently recuperating at the hospital and wished them a speedy recovery.

The incident took place along a highway in Purok 11, Barangay Maputi in Naawan, Misamis Oriental around 9:25 a.m. last February 11.

The Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office reported that those involved in the accident were a Wing Van Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter and two white Nissan Urvan vehicles.

The Mitsubishi Fuso was moving towards Cagayan de Oro City while the two Nissan Urvan vehicles were moving towards Iligan City in the opposite direction.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation but initially, some of the survivors claimed the front right wheel of the Wing Van Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter exploded.

After the driver lost control of the vehicle, he collided with the two other vans who were loaded with students of the Senior and Junior Leadership Courses being held at the Regional Training Center 10 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The policemen were traveling on a privilege pass.

The tragedy has prompted the PNP leadership to bark instructions for all concerned police units to ensure the roadworthiness of their patrol and service vehicles.

Since a road crash can happen anytime, officials said unnecessary loss of lives and properties on our roads can always be prevented just by making sure that police vehicles are safe and roadworthy.

Roadworthiness of all police patrol and transport vehicles is necessary since, apart from the fitness of the driver, the unsafe roads, presence of reckless drivers and other environmental factors, it is one of the most important requirements for the safety of their passengers and the general public too.

Apart from regularly checking everything from lights and windows to stabilizers/bushings to engine brackets and fluid leakages-if there are any, police are also required to ensure that they will follow the BLOWBAGETS tips before riding their vehicles.

BLOWBAGETS is short for battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, gas, tire and self. It’s what the police have been always reminding all drivers to do especially when they are out on a long travel during the summer vacation period.

Gen. Azurin has offered full assistance to the policemen-victims of the Misamis Oriental road mishap.

The top cop visited the injured officers who were confined in different hospitals in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City last week to show his personal support and at the same time extend his heartfelt condolences to the orphaned families of the seven cops who perished in the tragedy.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives and the injured personnel. We stand with our brave officers in their time of need, for their service and sacrifice will always be remembered and honored,” said the PNP chief,

“In this moment of loss and pain, let us come together to offer our support, condolences, and strength to those affected by this tragic accident.” Gen. Azurin added.

Gen. Azurin’s said his visit to the injured personnel was aimed at boosting their morale and a reminder of the commitment and support of the PNP leadership for its personnel.

Measures are being put in place to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, he said.

“The safety and well-being of our personnel is of utmost importance and we will do everything in our power to ensure it,” Gen. Azurin added.