Abra police deny accusations of Brgy. Captain linking them to Dangdangla Elementary School fire

Abra, Philippines – Since the start of the election period, the Abra police have been swamped with allegations – some accusing them of partiality and law of action in the enforcement of the law.

The latest assertion thrown against the Abra police linked them to the fire incident that destroyed 70% of the polling centers at the Dangdangla Elementary School in Abra on Wednesday morning, May 7.

According to the Abra Police Provincial Office who released a statement on their official social media account, there was a Facebook livestream made by a punong barangay saying the police has something to do in the incident.

The law enforcement agency immediately denied any involvement in the case, saying, “Mariing pinaninindigan ng kapulisan ng Abra na wala silang motibo o dahilan upang sunugin ang paaralan, lalo pa’t ang mga educational institutions ay bahagi ng mga pinangangalagaan ng PNP para sa seguridad ng darating na halalan sa 2025.”

Meantime, earlier this week, the Cordillera police regional director, PBGen. David Peredo released a statement, assuring the public that operations and investigative procedures being done by the police are conducted with “utmost professionalism, impartiality, and strict adherence to due process”.

He added while they understand the emotional toll and public attention caused by recent incidents in Abra, actions taken by police officers were based on established protocols and initial assessment they made on the ground.

“The PNP is fully committed to maintaining peace and order in Abra. Investigations are ongoing and are being pursued without fear or favor, regardless of political affiliation or social standing,” he expressed.