Between PNP, LGU, media

LUCENA CITY – To ensure “better service” in the community, the Calabarzon (Cavite/Laguna/Batangas/Rizal/Quezon) top cop has called on the local government chief executives (LCEs) and the local media of Quezon province to work “hand in hand” with the police.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-A director Brig. Gen. Carlito Gaces, on two separate occasions, urged the leadership of the Quezon Mayor’s League and Quezon media to have “close ties with the police.”

In a meeting with the Quezon mayors led by its president Mayor Rachel Ubana, Gaces assured them of his “cooperation” on their legitimate requests, especially about their chosen police officer to lead their police stations.

Gaces vowed to heed their demands and suggestions as long as they were “valid” and “beneficial” to their respective constituents.

He also thanked the mayors for continuously providing the needs of their police stations, like patrol cars and diesel subsidies from their intelligence funds.

But the regional commander clarified that it is indeed an “obligation” of the local government units (LGUs) to help the police as they are part of their government.

“Salamat po sa inyo. Pero lilinawin ko na talagang obligasyon po ng mga LGU na tulungan ang kanilang mga kapulisan nilang bahagi ng kanilang gobyerno,” said Gaces.

Meanwhile, the police executive in a “Meet the Press” prepared by Quezon police director Col. Ledon Monte at Camp Guillermo Nakar urged the media to be their “partner” so the public would be properly informed of what they are doing for the betterment of the community.

He clarified that the police and the media having significant roles in the community, should be friends, not “adversaries.”

As to the complaints of some media practitioners regarding erring police personnel, Gaces assures that the PRO4-A leadership has been doing its part regarding the so-called “PNP Cleansing Program.”

He made the assurance that Monte will not tolerate erring cops being a part of the Quezon Police Provincial Office (PPO) under the latter’s leadership.

But the police general, who is also known for being “media-friendly,” also asked the newsmen to “clean their own ranks.”

“We are doing our part. You should also do yours,” he said.