New city police chief asks for community vigilance

CEBU, Philippines - For a week, the Cebu City police will be busier as they meet with different sectors of the community, recognizing the latter’s essential role for a peaceful and orderly city.

Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said this has been a plan even before he assumed as new director of CPO last Tuesday as part of the activity of the Police Regional Office-7 for the National Crime Prevention Week.

Buenafe said the CCPO will meet with business sectors, academe, parents and teachers, clergy, civic organizations, and the media for them to know their roles and how to protect themselves from criminals.

“Basically, kasama ang community. We recognize the community as an essential part in peace and order. A lot of things can be contributed by the community. Kahit pagbabantay lang sa sarili natin na hind maging biktima ng mga kriminal,” Buenafe said.

Every year, the police force all throughout the country is observing the National Crime Prevention Week every first week of September. Now on its 16th year, it carries the theme, “Komunidad at Pulisya, Magkasama tungo sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan (Community and Police, together towards a progressive nation),” and a slogan, “Ako, Ikaw, Tayong Lahat Laban sa Krimen!” ( I, you, altogether against crimes).

Buenafe said they will also empower the community by encouraging them to help the police in their campaign against criminality as the organization lacks manpower.

“Layo kaayo ta sa ratio na 1 is to 500 (police per 500 people) in urbanized areas. Ang ato karon is naa sa 1 is to 1,200 or 1 is to 1,500 ba kaha. So we appreciate the help of volunteers if they join us especially in our night checkpoints,” he added.

Buenafe cited statistics that show cases of theft and robbery are the most prevalent this year and are anticipated to increase as the month of December approaches. With this, he said they will be conducting police visibility and night watch system.

CCPO will also be studying the time and days robbers may strike and consequently will intensify more its operations.

At the City Hall, Mayor Michael Rama emphasized on the importance of investing more on security in the city, pointing out that the most important factor in achieving an effective security is preparedness.

“We must invest on security to secure our tourists and the people of our own place, that Cebu is safe,” he said.

The mayor also told the public not to entrust their security and safety to the policemen alone but “all of us must participate and do our part.” – Niña G. Sumacot with Razel V. Cuizon and Clea Lhyle P. Ompad/WAB (THE FREEMAN)