ILOILO CITY - National Police chief Arturo Lomibao yesterday said there is no "shoot-to-kill" order for the four Magdalo military officers charged for a coup d'etat attempt before a Regional Trial Court in Makati.

Lomibao said NOLCOM (Northern Luzon Command) chief Romeo Tolentino may have been misquoted as saying that he had issued a shoot-to-kill order for Capt. Nathaniel Rabonza, 1Lts. Lawrence San Juan, Sony Sarmiento and Patricio Bumidang in case they are spotted and fight back in any military camp.

"I think he was misquoted because you do not just (issue) shoot-to-kill (orders against) people," Lomibao added.

He, however, justified the use of necessary force if the life of a law enforcer is in danger. If they shoot you, then you have to defend your person, Lomibao said.

The police is offering a P100,000 reward each for the capture of the four Magdalo officers.

The military acknowledged that Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, before his recent arrest, had managed to sneak in and out of the military and police camps.

Lomibao, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the 15th founding anniversary here, also commended the Police Regional Office 6 for strict adherence to the chain of command and loyalty to the duly-constituted government.

Those who will participate in any attempt to stage a coup will be met with the proper legal treatment, he added.

"I don't think there are people in the PNP who are serious enough in launching a coup d'etat," Lomibao also said.

In what could be a reward for the loyalty of policemen, President Arroyo had earlier announced a P1 billion package of benefits for members of the PNP force.

Lomibao said the P1 billion package that is earmarked for housing, construction of more police stations, purchase of more guns and vehicles and recruitment of policemen, will be equitably distributed to all police regional offices and support units.

"Those who have less will have more", he added.

Lomibao also said they will recruit 3,000 to 5,000 policemen a year for the next five years.

He also announced that 27 police stations will be set up in Western Visayas.*GPB

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