Cops tap riders in crime watch

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has tapped habal-habal riders as partners in monitoring, and reporting activities that may be linked to crimes and security threats in the city.

The initiative is part of the Cebu City One-ACT, or Against Crimes and Threats, which was formally launched by the CCPO on October 2 during a ceremony at the police office’s Conference Room.

The program is implemented under Oplan Pakigsandurot, the CCPO’s policing strategy aimed at strengthening coordination between the police and different sectors of the community.

During the launch, 29 leaders of habal-habal organizations in the city attended and took an oath to support the initiative.

The leaders represented 1,317 member-drivers who pledged assistance on CCPO in its efforts to prevent and address crimes.

With their regular movement and presence in different areas, the riders are expected to provide police with timely information when they encounter situations that may require police attention.

They may report suspicious activities, potential security threats and other incidents that may require police intervention.

The CCPO said the initiative is expected to improve information sharing and strengthen coordination between the police and the communities they serve.

The program will also expand beyond habal-habal organizations, with the CCPO planning to invite other community sectors to become partners in its community-based policing efforts in the coming days.

CCPO Acting City Director Police Colonel Ricky Sumalde thanked the City Community Affairs and Development Unit, led by Acting Chief Police Major Marvin Fegarido, as well as the participating habal-habal riders, force multipliers and other community partners who contributed to the initiative.

Sumalde said active community participation and sustained police response are important to the success of One-ACT.

After the launch, the participating habal-habal riders also elected their officers to establish their own leadership structure as an organized group under the program.

Through One-ACT, the CCPO aims to strengthen cooperation between the police and the community in preventing crimes and protecting lives. — (FREEMAN)