Lapu cop chief asks media's cooperation

CEBU, Philippines - "I need your support to reach out to the people of Lapu-Lapu City," said Lapu-Lapu City Acting City Police Director Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc to the members of media.

This was raised by Radoc in yesterday's firearm handling and proficiency firing activity at the Wonderland Firing Range in Barangay Agus participated by members of the Association of Reporters in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in Truth and Excellence.

Armalite members showed their ability to shoot using short and long firearms. They were also given tips on how to handle firearms for their safety.

According to Radoc, the half-day event aimed to establish and maintain a cordial association with all media representatives.

Radoc said they recognize the importance of media in "effective law enforcement which can never be overemphasized, just as the importance of police assistance to the media cannot be ignored."

Radoc said the police are initiating different activities that need the support and cooperation from the community, stressing that community involvement is important to maintain peace and order.

During his speech, Radoc acknowledged the support of the city government of Lapu-Lapu under the administration of Mayor Paz Radaza.

Brgys tapped

Meanwhile, to strengthen the ties between the community sectors and law enforcement unit, LLCPO is maximizing its manpower during the observance of Lent and is tapping the help of barangay officials.

Aside from augmenting the number of police authorities to be deployed, Radoc said he is asking support from different barangay authorities, as well as barangay tanods, to assist them to maintain peace and order in the city within the week.

The police director noted that some of the barangay officials wanted to be trained under the wing of the police department to fuel their knowledge and experience capturing law breakers.

Radoc said additional security will be distributed in different areas that are placed on heightened alert. Among these are port areas, churches, the airport, as well as beach resorts.

Checkpoints

In addition, LLCPO will conduct mobile checkpoints to prevent bad elements from taking advantage of the Holy Week's observance.

Radoc said he already instructed all police station chiefs to conduct mobile checkpoints in their respective area of jurisdiction, if necessary, to prevent crimes during the two-day observance.

While others go to their homes in the different towns, Radoc said they are also expecting a number of visitors to visit Lapu-Lapu because of the long vacation.

"Nagtan-aw na kita nga daghan gayud ang mobisita sa Lapu-Lapu karong semanaha mao nga mangandam na usab kita pag-ayo," said Radoc.

The LLCPO director said the barangays where beach resorts and hotels are located are closely monitored by his men.

He said the police will also coordinate with different beach resorts and hotels in Lapu-Lapu through their respective security officers.

During his time, former LLCPO chief Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas organized the security guards in different resorts and hotels to help the police maintain peace and order in the city.