• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 has ordered police commanders in Western Visayas to further intensify police presence on the roads and communities, stressing that police visibility is an effective crime deterrent.
“We want our police to be seen in the streets and in different strategic areas, felt by the people and ready to respond to any call for assistance, anytime. Also, their presence will prevent the would-be criminals from committing a crime,” police regional director PBrig. Gen. Jack Wanky said.
In a statement, Wanky said the patrol operations will include foot and mobile patrols as well as Oplan Sita and Oplan Galugad to ensure immediate response during any call for police assistance and to enhance police visibility across the region.
The PRO-6 chief reminded all police commanders to ensure that their personnel are properly briefed before they will be dispatched, and closely monitor and supervise their deployments.
In a directive issued to all police regional directors, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said he wants to make sure that 85 percent of all police personnel are deployed to field duties – a move that will significantly reduce the number of officers assigned to office work.
“This initiative is designed to not only prevent crime, but also to build trust and rapport with the communities we serve,” Marbil said in a separate statement.
Also included are motorcycle patrols to ensure swift response to incidents and emergencies. | GB
