LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Plans are underway to further institute peaceful and orderly atmosphere at the Capitol compound as well as in the vicinity of the 14 provincial government hospitals in Pangasinan.
This was the result of the question hour conducted by the members of the provincial board during its regular session recently where the invited guests include P/Sr. Supt. Ronald Oliver Lee who was represented by Major Dominique Poblete and other police officers, General Services Officer Evan Gladish P. Domalanta and GSO Security Supervisor Alejandro Romero.
Plans include acquisition of security equipments, provision of capability training for security guards, close coordination between the Provincial Security Council (PSC), and police visibility to be requested by the provincial government to Pangasinan PNP.
As a backgrounder, the question hour was focused on possible things to be done to continuously provide safety and security not just among the officials and employees working inside the Capitol compound and within the 14 government hospitals but also for the visitors who frequently visit the Capitol, and patients admitted at all government health facilities.
The invitation which was initiated by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario rooted from the shooting incident which transpired a couple of weeks ago at the Resorts World Manila where a lone gunman freely entered and fired gunshots and set ablaze gaming tables inside the casino.
As such, BM Rosario came up with the move to inquire on the status of security at the Capitol compound and at the 14 provincial health facilities.
Members of the board present during the question hour agreed to support the proposed security plans to be formulated by the GSO which will be discussed to the provincial chief executive soonest.
As to the many functions being handled by the general services officer, BM Rosario also suggested the creation of a separate office that will solely take charge of the security at the Capitol offices and provincial hospitals if possible.
Meanwhile, General Services Officer Domalanta disclosed that there are a total of 189 security officers employed at the provincial government. Of this, 89 are assigned in various offices at the Capitol compound while 100 are posted in the different 14 government hospitals. There are four supervisors who manned all security officers, she added.
Domalanta also reported that as of present, renewal of firearms licensing is on-going. She likewise said that she already discussed with Gov. Amado I. Espino III regarding the plan to install CCTVs (close circuit televisions) at the Capitol compound and at government hospitals as well.
As regards the PNP side, Major Poblete said police visibility especially during peak working days like Monday when regular sessions are held can also help in keeping a peaceful ambience at the Capitol.
In addition, Poblete urged all employees and the public in particular to always be vigilant. Suspicious characters must be reported immediately to the PNP.
Any incident that threatens the security of the public should be reported to the PNP Hotline Number 0998-967-2987.
By Dexter A. See
