PNP launches ‘basahero’ campaign

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched recently its “Basahero” project, which involves putting anti-crime and disaster preparedness tips on the headrests of seats in passenger buses.

The name for the project – apparently coined from Filipino words basa (read) and pasahero (passengers) – is meant to reach out to bus passengers, who often spend more than 30 minutes for each ride, officials said.

According to the PNP, most bus passengers either engage in sightseeing, texting or napping to pass the time. On weekdays, there are an average of 105 passengers per bus per trip while there are an average of 96 passengers per bus per trip on weekends.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said the public awareness is one of the best ways to protect people against criminals, especially in Metro Manila.

“We always believed that police-community partnership will give us the edge against lawless elements and criminals. The public’s participation by giving information to our policemen, or by simply being aware to the possible occurrence of unlawful activities, will be a huge help in community policing that will bring forth positive results in our campaign towards lasting peace and order,” Purisima said.

The PNP launched the project on Sept. 9 in partnership with the BuzzDrivers Inc. recently as part of the observance of the National Crime Prevention Week.

PNP deputy chief for administration Deputy Director General Ager Ontog Jr., who led the launch, said they used 50 buses with different routes in Metro Manila to circulate the Basahero headrest messages.