Nothing threatening in cops’ presence in Alaminos school
MAY MALASAKIT AT PAGMAMAHAL SA KAPWA
A FACT check on the circumstances behind the video footage of an armed police officer belied earlier report that the police personnel inside the Longos Elementary School during the pilot run of the limited face-to-face classes in a school in Alaminos City were in full battle gear.
And, the armed cop in viral photo did not show a threatening presence of a fully armed policeman but a law enforcer “na may malasakit at pagmamahal sa kapuwa”
This was gist of the statement of P/Col. Richmond Tadina, acting police director of Pangasinan, after video of a policeman with long firearm aired by ABS-CBN during the opening of the pilot run of limited face-to-face classes in the school on Nov. 15 went viral.
Tadina said the photo that “shows a policeman… assisting a student in bringing out his school supplies from his bag inside the classroom” tells the story of a concerned policeman helping a pupil, not as a violation of set rules.
Subsequent investigation confirmed that the policeman seen inside the classroom was part of the security team requested by Fermilyn R. Rabago, Head Teacher 1 of Longos Elementary School, detailed to escort members of the PCOO, VIPs and members of the media.
He said the Alaminos City Police Station provided assistance as part of the security support for the pilot opening of limited in-person classes since Longos Elementary School is located in an outskirt area that can only be reached through bancas and motorcycles.
Among the guests that observed the opening of the limited in-person classes were members of the Presidential Communication Operations Office led by Karen De Guzman, DepEd and government officials, and members of the national and local media.
The six-man security team that was deployed to secure the guests and the area carried standard-issued pistols holstered in their low carry and only one police officer was authorized to bring a long firearm as part of security protocol.
Tadina said the PNP is aware of the guidelines set by the National Policy Frameworks on Learners as Zones of Peace and the PNP shall abide fully with established rules and regulations. (Eva Visperas)
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