Cops launch project to win public trust

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) formally launched the Kuya Ko ’To: Your Friendly Neighborhood Kuya, Pulis ng Metro Manila project aimed at winning back the trust and confidence of the public in their police force through positive, quick, correct and courteous action in protecting the community against criminality.

In a simple ceremonies held at the Quezon City Sports Club in Quezon City, NCRPO chief Director Ricardo de Leon led the formal re-launching of the program which reinforces the KALYE concept of the Metro Manila Police Office in bringing the police closer to the masses.

"The concept is simple. Fraternity with the community. As big brothers to the 10 million Metro Manilans, we must be fiercely protective of the members of our large metropolitan household," De Leon said.

He pointed out that "kuya" (big brother), encompasses everything that a true police officer and public servant must be.

"An older brother acts as the perfect model for his siblings to emulate. He keeps an eye on his younger siblings. He does not tolerate wrongdoing among his kinsfolk and steers them in the right direction, and he is the first to take up arms in case the household is threatened by external aggression," the NCRPO director said.

"Like the characteristics of a kuya who would protect any member of his family, the NCRPO will stand as responsible, dependable, honest and God-fearing policemen," he further said, adding that the Metro Manila police — through the project — will prove that they are responsive to the needs of the specially in preventing street crimes, the proliferation of illegal drugs, and the apprehension of kotong cops.

Under the project, the NCRPO will focus on the main goal of the government under the leadership of President Arroyo which is to work hand-in-hand with the community in their battle against all forms of criminality.

The project will entail that the KALYE be the main station of about 80 percent of NCRPO cops manning the beats wherein they will be called, "Ang Kuya Ko sa Kalye" with KUYA standing for Kusa Umaksyon, walang Yabang at laging Alerto.

"When we win back the community’s trust and confidence, in all livelihood, we will prove victors in the campaign to eradicate criminality because we would have succeeded in forging a formidable defense against lawless elements out to sow chaos and anarchy in the metropolis," the NCRPO director stressed.