As PNP kicks-off crime prevention month: "Bayanihan Spirit" stressed

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s top police officials stress the importance of “bayanihan spirit” as they kick-off the month-long celebrations for the Crime Prevention month this September.

Police officials stressed vigilance, security consciousness and community involvement as among the major factors in solving crimes saying any crime can be easily solved if there is “bayanihan spirit” within the community.

Most police officials claimed that one way of showing community involvement was the establishment of the Barangay Intelligence Network, Barangay Peace-Keeping Action Team and the Barangay Public Safety Officer, which served as force multipliers of the PNP.

Police Regional Office-7 Director Chief Superintendent Ager Ontog said everyone should exercise their freedom through their right to speak and be heard.

“We should help each other by giving information to the PNP that would help solve a case,” Ontog said in a press conference yesterday morning.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Senior Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador said every sector of the community are involved and if the crime rate of Cebu dropped 80 percent within a month, this would certify that indeed there is cooperation.

PRO-7 records reveal that the average monthly crime rate of the entire region dropped to 9.66 percent this year with 26.97 percent compared to last year’s 36.63 percent.

“Some would act as witnesses sad unta but some would fear being involved. Everyday should be a crime prevention day kay it is our bread and butter,” Comendador said.

Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac, director of the Mandaue City Police Office, said that Mandauehanons are cooperative and security conscious.

Senior Superintendent Anthony Obenza, director of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, also claimed that in order to strengthen police power, they are coordinating with the non-government organizations and the local government units.

Superintendent Rey Tiempo, chief of the Cebu City Operations Branch, added that majority of the accomplishments of the PNP are those cases tipped off by civilians.

“The confidence of the public in participating during the investigation is really a factor,” Tiempo said.

Police Regional Director Ontog said in return, the police are tasked to ensure a better and safe place to live by locking-up violators of law. — (FREEMAN)