Expect more politicians to be seen moving around with phalanx of security aides in the days ahead.

This likely scenario looms after all police provincial directors in Region 1 have been directed to consult and confirm with politicians to determine if there are threats on their lives.

Police Regional Drector Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil made the directive following the slaying of Abra Congressman Luis Bersamin and his bodyguard in Quezon City last December 16.

Speaking during a “Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis” in Dagupan City on Monday, Bataoil also urged all political leaders, businessmen, media personalities or anyone under threat to report and coordinate with the police.

 Also present during the dialogue were Pangasinan Provincial Police Director Senior Supt. Alan Purisima, and Dagupan City police chief Supt. Edgar Basbas.

Bataoil said the police are ready to extend protection to anyone who has been threatened but said he expects the persons to cooperate even as he reminded would-be targets that a determined assassin may always find some ways and means to carry out his sinister plot, hence, a need to also be careful.

He urged everyone to be on the alert against suspicious-looking persons roaming around their premises, offices or houses.

Bataoil said the police in the region will conduct regular and random checks on motorists, particularly motorcycle-riding persons carrying firearms.

In the same forum, Police Provincial Director Purisima revealed that this year’s crime volume in the province has decreased compared to last year but admitted that non-index crimes, which include petty crimes, increased this year. – AQL

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