PRO-7 taps bystanders to help secure community

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-7 chief has launched a program where bystanders are empowered to assist the police in maintaining the peace and order in the community.

Dubbed as ABERIN or Active Bystandership for Effective Response Intervention, the program is initiated by PRO-7 regional director, Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin.

Through this program, pedicab drivers, dispatchers and others will be organized to help secure the community.

According to Aberin, the police cannot guard all areas in Central Visayas and they need responsible members of the community.

"Hindi natin pinapasa sa kanila ang trabaho, ang magiging papel nila of course kasi pag organize sila tapos alam nila yung role nila of course pag may nangyari imbes hindi nila pakikialaman dahil walang police pwede nilang i-text or i-report kaagad sa pinakamalapit na himpilan ng pulisya yung mga nangyayari tapos si Police Officer naman natin makakapag responde kaagad," said Aberin.

Brigadier General Aberin stated that the cooperation and assistance of the community is important for providing the police with service to the people.

Aberin urged the city and provincial directors to ensure that the program is not misused and that those who become members of the organization are not involved in any crime. — GMR (FREEMAN)