PNP says Negros Orientals situation ”remains normal” despite recent killings

August 6, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) despite series of killings in Negros Oriental, the situation ''remains normal.''

"I'm glad to announce that peace and order in Negros Oriental remains normal," said Police General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday at a press briefing. 

According to the PNP chief, the killings which took 21 lives has alarmed the residents. 

"As I have said there's nothing to be alarmed of because the people there live normal lives. If you can see during night time, people there are still roaming outside, in boulevard along the shores, and nothing happens to them," he said. 

"(Some people) bloat or are making the situation controversial where in fact what we're doing is normal police and military operations," he added. 

Albayalde also reported the arrest of two alleged suspects behind the killing of four policemen last week. 

Albayalde explained that the situation is "under control." He argued that there is no reason to implement extreme measures in the area, as opposed to what President Rodrigo Duterte said regarding his willingness to take drastic measures. 

"We are showing here to the president and to the Filipino people that everything is under control and everything is manageable so the president can realize later that there is no need (for such measures)," said Albayalde. 

"As of now (PNP) don't see (any reason for drastic measure)...that's why we are doing everything to maintain peace and order and of course, our goal is to arrest the identified suspects who killed four policemen or whoever are terrorizing or extorting there," ha added.  Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS