Present during the meeting were: the chair herself, lady Governor Aurora Enerio-Cerilles, 2nd District Congressman Antonio H. Cerilles, City Mayor Sammy Co, Board Member Ernesto Mondarte as Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee chair on peace and order, DILG Provincial Director Abcede Asjali and the Governor’s Executive Staff Ruel G. Molina, for the local government’s side.

From the law enforcers and the military - 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Commanding General Nehemias G. Pajarito, PNP Provincial Director Ramon M. Ochotorena, NBI Pagadian Director Moises Tamayo, Military Intelligence Battalion Commander Emmanuel C. Sison, 53rd IB Commander Samuel Gayongorsa, and OIC City Police Chief Rommel Etbew.

The Cerilles couple – Congressman and Governor Cerilles, who are staunch backer of the implementation of the regional transfer cannot allow a small animosity between the police and the military to spoil the effort of the City Government in realization of E.O 429.

Governor Cerilles had to meet the top ranking officials of the military and the police to settle the issue.

It was learned that the meeting lasted for over four hours which tackled from criminalities, drug addiction, carnapping and sea piracy where measures were being articulated during the meeting. 

Eventually, Governor Cerilles called a short press conference for an official press statement the rift between the police and the military was a mere public speculation.

Joining the press conference were -  Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Dave Malcampo, Provincial Press Bureau staff  and private media personalities in Pagadian City headed by the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club, Inc., President Elmer Maghanoy.

PD Asjali, who acted as spokesperson of the group told the media that there is no truth to rumors that there is hostility between the army and the police here nowadays.  He clarified that the two separate incidents in the city whose victims were both soldiers against the policemen as alleged offenders were only isolated and appropriate cases were already filed in the court.

On the other hand, Director Ochotorena hinted suspicion that lawless elements might have had ride on the situation, who could be the ones behind the negative text messages creating the atmosphere of animosity between the police and the military.  But actually, he said, they (Police and Military) maintain a coordinated effort in safeguarding the lives and properties of the people in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur.

Tabak Commanding General Pajarito, reaffirmed Ochotorena’s statement, saying, that they have strengthen their tandem with the Police in suppressing crime incidents in the city especially that Pagadian City is celebrating her Parochial Fiesta from January 11 to 20.

When pressed to justify the presence of the soldiers in the city while their role is only to protect the country from rebellion and outside forces, Congressman Cerilles, explained that this is no longer true nowadays.  In fact, in Metro Manila soldiers are being fielded in commercials areas as augmentation forces of the Police.

At present, elements of the 53rd IB with BatCom Major Gayongorsa whose area of responsibility includes Pagadian City constantly conduct foot and vehicle patrols around the city in tandem with the City Policemen.

Last update : 18-01-2008 19:41

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