PNP says Duterte has ”wide range of options” to maintain peace and order in Negros Occidental

August 2, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Friday said President Rodrigo Duterte has a ''wide range of options'' in maintaining peace and order in the country.


"Under the Executive Department, the President has a wide range of options including the use of emergency powers insofar as maintenance of peace and order is concerned," said Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesman, in a statement.


"It is the prerogative of the President to use any of his powers provided by law," he added.


The statement came after Duterte hinted on taking "drastic" action to resolve the killings in Negros Oriental.


According to Banac, the situation remains under control.


"The PNP is closely monitoring the peace and order situation in Negros Oriental. But for the moment, the situation there is under control and all PNP units there remain on full alert and vigilant to thwart and prevent occurrence  of crimes and killings," he said.


As of July 28, a total of 21 people were recorded killed in shooting incidents in Negros Oriental after the death of four police officers last July 18. Ella Dionisio/DMS