Purisima vows to make P’sinan‘ dangerous place’ for criminals

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — "We will make Pangasinan a dangerous place for criminals."

Thus said Superintendent Alan Purisima, provincial police director, who has directed local police chiefs to strictly enforce laws and focus on reducing the index crime rate which, he added, reflects the real situation in their respective areas.

Index crimes refer to those committed against persons and properties like murder, robbery and theft, among other offenses.

In the past months, several robberies and holdups were reported across the province, but the incidents have significantly declined in the past weeks, although there has been a notable surge of petty or street crimes.

Purisima said the police should not be complacent and should instead intensify their efforts to curb crimes since criminal syndicates are just apparently lying low.

He said small-time thefts are increasing apparently because thieves "are pushed to the wall to commit them to survive."

He added, though, that the incidents are still within normal level, saying they probably reflect the problems of unemployment and overpopulation.

Purisima said solving crimes is not just the work of the police, but a coordinated effort by all the pillars of the justice system.

He batted for a stronger justice system, saying victims sometimes are no longer keen on reporting crimes or lose interest in filing complaints because of the slow justice system.

Meanwhile, Purisima said the strict enforcement of the "no plate, no travel" policy in every town or city in the province would significantly deter the commission of crimes.

He said he has formed a team to conduct surprise visits to local checkpoints, noting that some police chiefs report zero arrest during monthly district conferences.