The Philippine National Police (PNP) needs additional policemen to cover the required manpower for the creation of two police provincial offices in Maguindanao following the result of the plebiscite which would pave the way for split of the province into two.
But for now, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. said they will be realigning some of its personnel to cover the needed officers and personnel for the Police Provincial Office of soon to be Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
"We might be needing additional personnel especially the mobile forces," Azurin told the Manila Bulletin in an interview.
"But for now, we will try to realign some of our personnel to be able to organize the two provinces," he added.
Azurin earlier directed the PNP Directorate for Plans headed by Police Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac to prepare for the staffing of the two police provincial offices in Maguindanao.
This, as the result of the Sept. 17 plebiscite revealed that 99 percent of the more than 800,000 voters agreed to split Maguindanao into two provinces.
Under the law, 12 towns 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.
"This is a welcome development for everyone, for the leadership in the province to focus on peace and development," said Azurin, as he expressed hope that the result of the plebiscite would end the problem of armed conflict in the province.