Dear Sir:
This pertains to the editorial entitled "Of Peace and the Pacquiao Fights" in the November 25, 2014 issue of the Freeman Newspaper wherein it was said and I quote: "…the streets were empty of policemen for a couple of hours when Manny Pacquiao was busy sculpting another masterpiece in the boxing ring."
While we respect the opinion of the columnist in the said article, the leadership of Cebu City Police Office would like to give our side on said matter. We are aware that in the past there were places elsewhere in the country wherein crime still happens during Pacquiao fights. The PNP cannot be complacent with the assumptions that since people are glued to their televisions while the Pacquiao Fight is ongoing, there are likely minimal crimes in the streets and that the city is generally peaceful. In fact, we have deployed personnel to do vehicle/motor stops most especially motorcycles during the Pacquiao fight taking priority on crime prone areas from 12 noon to 12:30 PM and the City Director himself inspected these deployments. This is evident in our duty detail and checkpoint manifesto.
It may be true that the Pacquiao Fight has turned the streets of our country into ghost town as everyone are at home busy watching, such and other happenings likened to that has neither stopped nor stalled CCPO's deployment of beat patrols, conduct of checkpoints and motor stops, and intensified police presence. Every day, regardless of whether there is a Pacquiao fight or none, CCPO is in its daily performance and full implementation of maintaining the peace and order in the city. We fully understand that it is when all the people are tranquil in the confines of their home that all the more we have to be keen and watchful in the streets as the lawless individuals might take advantage of it.
We are however appreciative of your concern and we welcome that opinion as constructive as it puts us in constant check as regards the performance of our unit.
Thank you sir and God Bless!
Very truly yours,
RESLYN DAPOSALA ABELLA
Police Inspector
PIO, Cebu City Police Office