PNP prepares for creation of 2 provincial police offices after Maguindanao plebiscite
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now preparing for the appointment of the set officers and the organizational structures of two new sets of police offices following the Sept. 17 plebiscite that would divide Maguindanao into two provinces.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. said he had already directed the Directorate for Plans headed by Police Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac to prepare the restructuring and reorganization of the police offices for Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
"The proposal to have two new provinces from Maguindanao has been officially ratified through a peaceful plebiscite that voted an overwhelming approval of the measure," said Azurin.
"With this prospect of having yet another political subdivision in the geographical landscape, the PNP will need to adjust accordingly to the letter and intent of Section 25 of Republic Act 6975 that provides, At the provincial level, there shall be a PNP office, each headed by a provincial director," he added.
It was RA 11550 which sought to divide the province of Maguindanao into two separate provinces.
Azurin said the PNP preparations include the creation of a staffing pattern for each of the new Police Provincial Office that would be created, as well as the absorption of subordinate Municipal Police Stations and Provincial Mobile Force Companies.
Based on the result of the Saturday plebiscite, 99 percent of the 818,790 voters who went out chose the split of Maguindanao. Only over 5,000 voted no.
The law stated that if the plebiscite is successful, there will 12 towns which would be under the Maguindanao del Norte: Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat; Kabuntalan, Matanog, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang; North Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura; and Talitay. Datu Odin Sinsuta will be the province's capital.
For Maguindanao del Sur, the towns of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdulla Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Sharif Aguak, Sharif Saydona Mustafa, Sultan sa Barongis, Talayan, and South Upi. The town of Buluan will be the province's capital.
Both the Provincial Police Office that will be created will be under the Police Regional Office- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
Azurin expressed optimism that the split of Maguindanao will result in the focus on peace and development.