PRO-7: We will improve on ‘safest cities’ rankings

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 will improve its performance in order to do better in the rankings, after Cebu City was voted as one of the top ten safest cities in Southeast Asia.

PRO-7 Spokesperson Superintendent Reyman Tolentin told reporters in a press conference yesterday that Cebu City can better its efficacy on crime prevention by conducting more simulation exercises and enhancing capabilities for its locals and tourists.

"We have to exert more efforts because Cebu should not only be in the top eight but should be in the top," Tolentin said.

He said the police officers were elated with the news as it proved that strategies they employed were effective.

"Your police (force are) elated with that news and development.  It just means to say that our peace and order efforts all throughout the region is the reason why we are tagged as top eight in Southeast Asia.  Our police efforts in the suppression and prevention of crime are effective," he said.

He assured that the police will continue to exert full efforts in maintaining peace and order.

He, however, warned lawless elements that they will not be safe though.

"But if you are a lawless element, it's not anymore very safe for you. So, we stand on our view that we should help Central Visayas for peace loving people. If you are into drugs or anything illegal, then it is not safe for you,"

Meanwhile, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Joel Doria said intelligence reports mined from community and media relations were the biggest factor that Cebu was hailed.

"Yung suporta nila kapag may suspicious looking personality ay nire-report agad, pati na yung crime prevention tips," Doria said.

He assured that the CCPO will continue to conduct checkpoints and its weekly round-up Oplan Pokemon for crime prevention.

Based on previous reports, Numbeo is an online database which provides information about the living conditions in countries around the world, showed that Valenzuela City, Davao, Makati, Baguio and Cebu are among the top 10 safest cities in the region.

Numbeo also served as source for major international publications such as Forbes, Business Insider, Time, The Economist, BBC, The New York Times, China Daily and The Telegraph. (FREEMAN)