Las Piñas taps volunteer group in anti-crime drive

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar has mobilized members of the newly formed Civilian Volunteers Organization (CVO) to assist in the city government’s anti-crime campaign.

Some 10,000 members of the CVO were deployed to various parts of the city to help in the dissemination of information aimed at protecting residents from criminals gangs.

They have also been directed to monitor the peace and order situation in the city’s different barangays.

The CVO will function in close coordination with the local police under the leadership of Las Piñas police chief Superintendent Josephus Angan.

"CVO members will undergo basic training on surveillance work and information-gathering and will help the local police in their anti-crime operation in the city," Angan said.

He added the CVO members will also be tapped for emergency rescue operations.

Conrado Ustari, president of the CVO, said they have formed a steering committee to check any abuses by their members. Those found guilty would be expelled from the organization.

Aguilar said the mobilization of civilian volunteers is an effective measure in curbing various crimes in the city.

She added the move is also aimed at maintaining the status of Las Piñas as one of the most peaceful cities in Metro Manila for having a low crime rate. – Rhodina Villanueva