IBP-Negros Occidental Chapter presents partnership MOU draft to Bacolod PNP; Visits tallest flagpole in city

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Negros Occidental chapter and the Bacolod City Police Office are forging an agreement for partnership and coordination through a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU).

P/Maj. Sherlock C. Gabana, BCPO Public Information Officer said the draft of an MOU was presented to BCPO Chief, P/Col. Manuel A. Placido during the recent visit of IBP-NO officers.

Meeting Col. Placido were IBP-NO President, Atty. Josephine Natalaray; Vice President, Atty. Gerry Llena; and Atty John Orola.
The MOU is about assisting and complementing both parties “on matters of mutual concerns.”

Maj. Gabana, in a BCPO statement, said that, “as stated in the draft proposal, the MOU provides for a partnership of the parties and acknowledgment of each other’s roles and function in promoting respect for the law, speedy investigation, arrest and, prosecution of criminal offenders in Bacolod …. stressed the importance of collaborative dialogues, constructive coordination, cooperation and, principled partnership in the pursuit of respective Vision and Mission, the gist of which is, to provide legal assistance to BCPO personnel who are being harassed in the performance and furtherance of his/her duty and, for the BCPO police investigators to act faster to resolve and make focus on cases/incidents of violence against lawyers, prosecutors and judges.”

Gabana said Col. Placido was “overwhelmed by the gesture of trust and confidence from the lawyer group to BCPO under his leadership as City Director.”

The IBP-NO officers during the meeting vowed to continue to support the programs of the PNP in the fight against criminality. The visiting lawyers also lauded the effort of the BCPO in the maintenance of peace and order and the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic as front-liners

Tallest Flagpole

While within the BCPO premises, the lawyers were amazed how the BCPO transformed from the typical police office into a community and child-friendly facility as it offers an ambiance of security and a welcoming atmosphere. Having seen the impressive and regal design of the BCPO’s new flagpole, the visitors posed for souvenir photos at the tallest flagpole in Bacolod that is inside the BCPO compound, Gabana added.*