Oplan Pakigsandurot re-launched

CEBU, Philippines — With hopes to revitalize the active community involvement in promoting peace and order in Cebu City, Councilor Pablo “Paul” Labra II urged the public to contribute to the Oplan Pakigsandurot.

The said initiative stemmed from the city government’s community-based anti-criminality program which was first launched in 2001 under the mayorship of the present Vice Mayor Tomas “Tommy” Osmeña, aiming to build stronger connections between the city, police, and barangay.

During its pilot re-launching in Barangay Luz yesterday, July 25, several city officials were in attendance, including Osmeña and Councilors Paul Labra, Alvin Arcilla, Jose Abellanosa, Francis Esparis, Harold Kendrick Go, and Winston Pepito.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) deputy city director for operations Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, along with several personnel from the Mabolo Police Station 4, Barangay Luz council members, and sector representatives were also present.

Serving as chairman of the city council’s Committee on Peace and Order, Labra said that the initiative requires a shared responsibility, encouraging the residents to participate.

“Tanang katawhan sa matag barangay dinhi sa ato, labi na g’yud sa Barangay Luz, kinahanglan manghilabot sa pagbantay sa kahapsay ug kalinaw tungod kay ang responsibilidad sa pagbantay sa kahapsay ug kalinaw dili lang responsibilidad sa atong mga kaubang kapolisan… kon dili responsibilidad kini sa tanang katawan diri sa dakbayan,” he said.

Labra also mentioned that the increasing population rates in the city became a challenge for the outnumbered policemen, noting the ideal police-to-population ratio of one policeman for every 500 people to ensure satisfactory law enforcement coverage.

As an experienced policeman who retired police brigadier general, Labra encouraged his fellow policemen, either active or retired, to participate in Oplan Pakigsandurot, underscoring it as a preventive action against crimes.

He further said achieving public safety may also attract stockholders to invest in the city, boost the economy, and make it top city in terms of peace and order.

“If the people will feel safe, they will invest,” he said.

Meanwhile, Macatangay said she is happy at the re-launch of Oplan Pakigsandurot which is now spearheaded by Labra.

“Nalipay kaayo mi na si Sir Labra ang napiling hepe sa peace and order na committee… Ngano man? Para mahatagan og pagtagad ang komunidad nga nihatag og aktibong partisipasyon aning mga kalihokan sa peace and order,” she added.

Macatangay also admitted it’s a challenge for the police force if no one else manages the peace and order in the community apart from them.

“Kung walay nagdumala sa mga katawhan sa komunidad, sa barangay level, (ug) sa local government unit, maglisod ang inyong kapolisan. Dili namo kaya, sa tinud-anay lang, nga kami ra,” she said.

She also urged that the youth sector in every barangay must also be given an interest and engagement on these matters, highlighting their potential as the new generation of community leaders.

Months after the 911 system was activated as the national emergency hotline, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) reported successfully responded to at least 126 calls from June 2 to July 17, marking a significant difference with the upgraded communication systems.

Out of the total figure, 120 reported cases were resolved or referred to barangay authorities for appropriate intervention while six calls led to the arrests of suspects in various crimes, including robbery, trespassing, and possession of firearms and bladed weapons.

Among these cases include the arrest and recovery of a loose firearm from a 69-year-old man who had threatened his son with a pistol in Barangay Mambaling. A trespassing incident of a minor in conflict with the law was also responded to by policemen in Barangay Pitalo in San Fernando, southern Cebu.

In Lapu-Lapu City, a man with a knife who was threatening to stab an individual was also disarmed by female officers. A robbery suspect carrying a firearm, suspected illegal drugs, and stolen money was also arrested in Barangay Dumlog, Toledo City.

“These systems are not just improvements, they are lifelines. They help our officers respond faster and smarter, leading to better service and safer communities,” said PRO-7 regional director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan. (CEBU NEWS)