The Philippine National Police Maritime Command has deployed a special operations unit to Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, as requested by Mayor Ernesto Estrao.
The latest deployment is composed of 30 personnel led by a police commissioned officer.
While there is no threat to peace and order in coastal areas of Hinobaan, Estrao said it is better to be pro-active always.
The deployment of the PNP special unit augments the manpower needs of the local police force in addition to the existing detachment of Philippine Coast Guard and its training school in Hinobaan.
Estrao said that Col. Simeon Gane, regional director of the PNP Maritime Command in Region 6, led the activation of the Maritime Command 4th Special Operations Unit in Nov. 27.
Pending the construction of its headquarters at the 600-meter lot provided by the local government, the police special unit temporary settles at Barangay Pook in Hinobaan.
The Maritime Group of the PNP performs all police functions to secure the country’s territorial waters and rivers including ports of entry and exit. It is also tasked to sustain the protection of the maritime environment.
Estrao said that the Maritime Command personnel will also help secure the visiting tourists at various destinations in Hinobaan.
The town has recently opened its tourism sites for domestic tourists with strict observance of health protocols. Visitors are required to present medical certificates upon entering the town, Etrao said.
As of Nov. 27, Hinobaan has only one COVID-19 confirmed case, whose four close contacts were immediately isolated and placed under quarantine. – GB
