PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar has ordered concerned police units to assess the situation in their areas and see to it that local barangay officials are given adequate protection as they may end up with unseen enemies while they help the police keep peace and order in their communities.

The top cop also ordered police chiefs and unit commanders to assess if there is a need to adjust their security measures to ensure the security and protection of the communities in the wake of recent killings of barangay captains in Metro Manila and some provinces.

“I am directing all local police units to come up with a security risk assessment on barangay officials in their respective areas of responsibility and make the appropriate adjustments if necessary for their protection. All PNP units should also give special focus on their campaigns against loose firearms and private armed group,” Eleazar said.

The PNP chief has ordered his men to thoroughly investigate the recent killing of Carlito Pacayra, chairman of Bgy. Canlobo in Pinabacdao, Samar and Zoilo de Belen, chairman of Bgy. Lambakin in Jaen, Nueva Ecija.

Pacayra was gunned down while resting in a hammock on Thursday last week. De Belen was shot dead at the boundary arc of Bgy. Lambakin.

“Dalawang kapitan ng barangay ang pinatay sa Nueva Ecija at Samar kaya inatasan ko na ang lahat ng chief of police sa buong bansa na makipag-pulong sa mga pinuno ng Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) sa kani-kanilang lugar upang masusing pag-usapan ang seguridad ng bawat barangay officials,” said Eleazar.

On Monday last week, Gerardo Apostol, chairman of Bgy. 143 in Caloocan City was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants as he was tending to his store. Apostol’s wife Evelyn was also shot by one of the suspects when she tried to shield the victim with her body.

The motive and identities of the gunmen are yet to be established by the PNP. However, investigators are looking into all possible motives behind the killings including the possibility they could be work-related or triggered by vendetta.

“I have also directed the Regional Directors of PRO3 and PRO8 to prioritize these two cases and hold accountable all those responsible in order to send a strong message that the PNP will not allow these brazen killings. The assurance that those who perpetrated these crimes will be punished is itself, a preventive measure to prevent these from happening in the future especially on the days leading to the May 2022 elections,” Eleazar said.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Major Gen. Vicente D. Danao Jr. has also ordered the Northern Police District (NPD) to thoroughly investigate the killing of Apostol.

Eleazar condoled with the families of the victims as he also denounced the senseless killings. He tasked local police units to heighten security measures to prevent more slays.

The PNP chief earlier ordered all 17 police regional offices to further intensify their foot and mobile patrols ahead of the Yuletide Season.

The top cop said he wants all 17 police regional offices to sustain their enhanced visibility and anti-crime patrols on the streets to deter criminality and ensure the safety and security of the public.

“I am directing all police units nationwide to sustain enhanced visibility and anti-crime patrols in areas where street criminals are known to frequently strike,” Eleazar said. While noting that incidents of street crimes tend to increase especially during the Yuletide Season.

“Inaasahan natin na mas magiging aktibo ang masasamang loob ngayong mas marami na sa ating kababayan ang nakalalabas at papalapit pa ang Kapaskuhan. Sinisiguro ko sa publiko na hindi hahayaan ng ating mga kapulisan na makaporma itong mga nasa likod ng krimen sa lansangan,” he added.

The PNP chief issued the directive after two notorious robbers were arrested in Manila two Sundays ago for snatching a bag of female Sangguniang Kabatan chairperson who was walking along Magsaysay Boulevard and Lacson Avenue in Barangay 420, Manila.

The victim was hurt in the incident when she was dragged along by the motorcycle-riding suspects as they grabbed her bag.

The motorcycle-riding suspects were arrested by members of the Manila Police District under Brigadier Gen. Leo M. Francisco last Sunday in front of Manila North Cemetery.

The two were not wearing crash helmets and their motorcycle had no license plate when accosted by MPD Station 3 operatives under Lieutenant Colonel John Guiagui. They were later identified as the men who attacked the SK official in Bgy. 420 after they yielded the victim’s bag containing her valuables, several bank documents believed to have been stolen from previous victims and a loaded caliber .38 revolver.

Eleazar commended the Manila policemen for their swift action that led to the arrest of the wanted thieves.

“Napigilan ng ating alertong kapulisan sa Sta Cruz Police Station na makapang-biktima pa muli ang dalawang suspek na naka-motor nang masita ang mga ito na umaaligid sa Manila North cemetery. Nabawi ng mga pulis mula sa mga suspek ang bag ng biktimang taga-Quezon at nakumpiskahan pa ang mga suspek ng baril na malamang ay ginagamit ng mga ito sa panghoholdap,” he said.

The PNP chief again reminded the public to exercise caution and always be aware of their surroundings when outdoors especially this holiday season.