CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – It’s a wish come true for the Regional Crime Laboratory Office 3 (RCLO3) personnel.
After more than two years of waiting, the RCLO3 will have its new building two months from now as groundbreaking rites was held on Friday last week here.
"It will be the start of the construction for a new home of scientific investigators and Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO)," said Supt. Daisy Babor, the regional chief of the RCLO3.
Babor thanked Director General Avelino Razon Jr., Philippine National Police chief; Chief Supt. Errol Pan, Central Luzon police director; and Chief Supt. Arturo Cacdac, director of the PNP Crime Laboratory in Camp Crame, for the "realization" of the much-awaited structure.
"We’re happy for this development, especially now that we already have our groundbreaking for our new building," said Babor while pointing to the dilapidated and worn out parts of the old building on the verge of collapse anytime.
"As you see the rotting work condition of our office caught the attention of our top brass," Babor said.
Chief Insp. Rolly Onofre, regional engineer stationed here, recommended the immediate demolition of the RCLO3 building saying it poses hazards to its occupants.
Onofre made his recommendation after a building inspection where he noticed worn-out parts including roofing, falling ceiling, termites infested all around the structure, and the area is prone to flooding.
"The entire place should be demolished right away, to pave the way for the construction of a new one." said Onofre adding the funds for this project is ready available.
Babor said the RCLO3 office was established in 1976, "since then no major repair or rehabilitation works have been done." "It has been three decades, it’s high time that we have a new one."
Babor had been instrumental for the construction of several provincial and city crime laboratories including Tarlac, Zambales, Auroro, Olongapo City and Angeles City.
The latest of her project is the RCLO3, this was funded by the PNP allocating P2.5 million. Works will immediately commence to complete it before the retirement of [Razon] the chief PNP, police sources said.
Cacdac, who also graced the occassion, said the building is just a secondary requirement of a Crime Laboratory, "what we value most is the integrity and expertise of our men".
Congressman Mikey Arroyo (Pamp. 2nd dist.) was the guest of honor and speaker during the ground breaking ceremonies. He cited the Central Luzon police for their effort in maintaining peace and order in region 3.
