PNP Chief visits Abra, awards performing cops, urges peace

Marquez: My father was shot dead when I was 13 

By Ginalyn B. Brioso

BANGUED, Abra -- Police Director General Ricardo Marquez recently awarded medals to eight deserving Philippine National Police personnel  during his first command visit  to the province on  April 6.

Awarded were Senior Supt. Lou Salvador A. Claro, SPO3 Mauro S. Adres, SPO4 Eusebio B. Bodonia, PO2 Mark Vincent P. Salva, PO1 Arsenio Jaybee B. Baac III, SPO1 Evangeline Ton, PS1 Dinky Del-ong and SPO4 Ronald Gonzaga.

The awards were based on their performance in neutralizing illegal drugs in the province,  successful conduct of OPLAN Lambat Sibat and crime solution efficiency.

Marquez also held a dialogue with the men and women of the Abra Provincial Police Office. He urged them to reach out, patrol, protect and build a peaceful community, and to continue help create a conducive environment for a peaceful May 2016 elections in the province.

He said foundations for peace laid down by then Cordillera Police Regional Director Gen. Benjamin Magalong in 2013 must not come to waste. The 2013 polls was said to be the most peaceful election in the province which used to be known for its history of election-related violence.

Marquez also expressed wish that all Abrenians may have peace in their hearts and called on them to move on from history of violence and be part of nation's economic development.

"A peaceful election is a reflection of a mature democracy," said the PNP Chief. “My lifetime dream as chief officer is violence-free elections in the Philippines. I was also a victim of political violence. When I was 13, my father who was a barangay captain was shot dead."

Marquez  also led the static display of safe-keep firearms and engaged with all provincial and regional PNP personnel and key officers present in his command visit.

Marquez is moving around provinces to see the preparations for the upcoming polls.

Also present during the PNP Chief’s visit were incumbent government officials and some candidates, Comelec Provincial Election Supervisor and all election officers in Abra.