PNP told: Uphold human rights

Romeo Baldevarona, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Provincial Commission on Human Rights, yesterday said the Philippine National Police could live up to its theme of protecting people's liberties by simply adhering to the law in performing their duties.

Reacting to the PNP's 17th anniversary goal of police officers being freedom promoters, Baldevarona said the police could fulfill this by observing laws that govern the rights of the people they serve.

For its founding celebration, the PNP has adopted the theme, “Mamang pulis, tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang pantao sa kapanatagan ng mamamayan.”

While there have been a number of alleged human rights violations by the police, Baldevarona said the adoption of this shows that the PNP has the will to stick to the rule of law.

“Although we cannot get away with complaints on alleged human rights violations by the police in doing their job, it's commendable on the part of the PNP's leadership in coming up with it,” he said.

Baldevarona also said that in the Bacolod City Police Office, concerns involving its officers are attended to by BCPO director, Senior Supt. Ronilo Quebrar.

Quebrar said one way for them to uphold civil liberties is to follow the police operational procedures.*PP

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IN CADIZ
Illegally-cut lumber seized

About 325 board feet of coconut lumber and 226 board feet of Gmelina timber were seized by the police at Hda. Lag-asan, Brgy. Tinampa-an, Cadiz City , Negros Occidental Saturday afternoon, a press release from the PNP station said.

The seized timber were on board a truck with Plate No. CKJ 846, allegedly owned by Nelson Go of Purok Kabugwason, Brgy. Zone 3, Cadiz .

Police said the unnamed driver failed to present transport permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Apprehending policemen led by Chief Insp. Jefferson Descallar also recovered a chainsaw with dubious serial numbers. The truck was impounded at the Cadiz City police station, the press release added.*

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