RSOG deactivated
By Francisco B. Lindero , Jr

Many are rejoicing for the deactivation of the embattled Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG). But , great many are also disheartened for the untimely relinquishment of this highly productive operational unit of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6.  

Effective February 15, 2005 , PRO 6 issued General Orders Nr 2005-01 putting an end to the colorful existence of RSOG. This decision, as PRO 6 director General Aliño clarified, was not fueled by the boiling issues between the local tri-media and Police Chief Insp. Serafin M. Monteclaro II who alleged that a certain media outlet is receiving grease money from big time drug lords in the city to discredit the RSOG; rather, the deactivation of said unit has long been considered since its function was similar to that of PDEA and PNP's Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF).

Well, while it is a matter of discretion of the big wigs in PRO 6, I can't help having a second thought on the real reason behind the decision to dissolve the RSOG. True, the group oftentimes engaged on drug-related operations; but it was also responsible in generating litanies of non-drug-related accomplishments for PRO 6. Who could ever forget its successful entrapment operations against a well-known abortionist in La Paz ? And , if I cannot single out a wanted person that RSOG had arrested, it is because they were too many to mention and remembering them defied my short-term memory. Need not to mention its participations in many joint operations with other law enforcement units in the region which resulted in the neutralization of crime groups and wanted personalities. Shortly stated, RSOG had its own peculiar role in law enforcement.

Indeed, the RSOG was never mediocre in performance. It was a newsmaker, to say the least. In its last two years of existence, the said unit remained steadfast and dedicated in bringing out significant results in many of its projects. However, the controversies involving its personnel had also eaten up a lion share in the pages of local dailies. And , recently, Monteclaro's statement was a big hit… a blockbuster in RSOG history.

The deactivation of RSOG is an assurance that no more controversy will arise from either unintentional or deliberate lapses of its members. But , it also implies that PRO 6's accomplishments will miss the no non-sense statistics that only RSOG could make.

RSOG is past... a history ..and will remain forever as the lost piece in the intricate puzzle of peace and order in Western Visayas .

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