Colon has now 24-hour mobile police outpost

CEBU, Philippines -  The Cebu City Police Office yesterday launched the 24-hour mobile police outpost along Colon Street as complimentary program to the successful Task Force Colon.

 CCPO director Patrocinio Comendador said that the mobile police outpost will serve as a “visible symbol of the police” and at the same time information center not just for the local populace but also to people from other provinces who come to the city.

 Aside from the first outpost set yesterday morning across Gaisano South where the launching was held, Comendador said that there are still two outposts to be set a week from now at the vicinity of Gaisano Metro and in front of the Colonnade Mall.

 Because the three establishments are located on Colon Street, the police director said that yesterday’s outpost, along with the two upcoming outposts, is situated in the area they consider as the epicenter of criminality in the city.

 Aside from that, he explained that their force is centered in the said area because it is the economic center of the city where most people converge, and at the same time serves as a tourist attraction.

 The putting up of the outposts is a complimentary program to CCPO’s Task Force Colon launched last July 27 which, according to Comendador, has reduced the index crime volume into 61 percent and managed to effect 50 arrests so far in just a month.

 Comendador created Task Force Colon and appointed Supt. Pablo Labra II, the deputy city director for operations, as its commander and Sr. Insp. David Señor, chief of the operations section, as the acting officer.

 The mobile police outpost, which is the first of its kind, is the result of Comendador’s endeavor to make a strong stand in trying to decrease particularly petty crimes in the streets.

 “The strength of the chain is as strong as its weakest link. Meaning, if Colon is the critical point of criminality in the city, we must directly address it and weaken the criminal activity and eventually reduce index crimes,” Comendador said.

 Barangay tanods from barangays Kalubihan, Pahina Central, and Ermita will also assist the police in guarding the city 24 hours.

 Police Regional Office-7 director Lani-O Nerez said it is fitting to introduce the “very laudable plan” of the CCPO, in setting up the mobile police outposts, to other city police offices in the region.

 Nerez, who served as the guest of honor and speaker during yesterday’s activity, said the PRO-7 would do its best to support the CCPO. He also thanked the Cebu City Government for the support to the police. — Niña G. Sumacot/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)