New PRO-7 chief wants cops to be ‘able, active, allied’

CEBU, Philippines —  Police in Central Visayas are now set to implement the three A’s  program of the newly appointed regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7, Brigadier General Anthony Aberin.

Aberin formally assumed office yesterday after a turnover of office held at the PRO-7 Headquarters, Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr., Cebu City.

Aberin's AAA program means "Able, Active, and Allied."

"Able" means the police have the skills and resources to do the job properly by investing in personnel, subjecting them to trainings and supporting them in their needs, also using technology to act quickly and be effective.

The police must also be physically fit and mentally prepared to handle any situation that may arise and maintain professionalism and ethics in the ranks of the police through transparency and accountability.

"This includes ensuring that all personnel are held accountable for their actions and establishing a stronghold on our internal cleansing campaign. We will strive to build a culture of continuous learning, where we constantly seek out new skills and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve," said Aberin.

Being active also means moving, creating programs to prevent crime and improve crime solution efficiency.

They will be proactive and conduct an aggressive campaign against all types of criminality.

"We will also carry out intelligence operations against illegal drugs, wanted persons, illegal gambling most especially E-Sabong and loose firearms, and the dismantling of organized crime groups and private armed groups so that senseless killings will be put into a stop," said Aberin.

Aberin said that illegal gambling should be stopped, especially e-sabong, because it is a real problem in the community.

He was the head of SITG Sabongero which was formed after up to 30 individuals were reported to have disappeared and believed killed.

"I just hope na yung e-sabong na yan maputol na yan, na palaging yung ang pinagkakaabalahan ng mga tao ngayon kahit nasa bahay nagkukulong eh yun ang nilalaro nila, nagsusugal gamit cellphone," said Aberin.

The last A, which is "Allied," is to give importance to partnership and collaboration with other government agencies, stakeholders and other groups.

Bearis accomplishments

Aberin is the replacement of Police Brigadier General Jerry Bearis who had been at the helm at PRO-7 for two months and 25 days.

Crime decreased and solution efficiency increased during the two months and twenty-five days of Bearis, he said.

In his term from December 19, 2022 to March 17, 2023, the Police Regional Office-7 showed major operational accomplishments through in-depth and intelligence-based operations that resulted in the confiscation of P254.3 million worth of illegal drugs and arrest of 1,980 drug personalities.

Under the leadership of Bearis, PRO-7 arrested 2,345 wanted persons and recovered 1,146 unlicensed firearms, 47 explosives were confiscated and 181 people were arrested. — JMD (FREEMAN)