CCPO involves security guards, tanods in city’s peacekeeping drive

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office has started organizing security guards and tanods as their force multiplier.

This is part of their intensification efforts in keeping the city’s peace and order especially after some robberies and thefts in the city.

Police Captain Jade A. Basingao, acting chief of the Carbon Police Station, said his personnel have met with security guards assigned to business establishments and barangay tanods for more involvement.

“Sinusubukan nating e-organize ang mga security guards to be utilized as our force multipliers,” Basingao said through the city’s Sugboanon channel.

“Ini-empower din natin ang mga tanods natin and other barangay officials na tumulong,” he added.

Major Francis Renz Talosig, Sawang Calero Police Station commander, on the other hand, said they have conducted inspections in business establishments to ensure that their security measures are in place.

“Constant coordination and collaboration sa atoang mga managers, security officers, bank managers,” Talosig sid.

A security survey had also been conducted among pawnshops, banks, and gasoline stations, Talosig added.

Local police have also increased its visibility in the city’s business areas after Mayor Michael Rama called them out to step up.

In another development, Basingao is also looking forward to all barangays under his jurisdiction including Ermita, Pahina Central, and Kalubihan being declared as “drug-cleared.”

Of the three, only Kalubihan was declared as drug-cleared by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing in April last year.

“Barangay Ermita and Pahina Central nalang ang natitira (not drug-cleared) and hoping before matapos ngayong taon ma-drug cleared na din,” Basingao said.

Basingao said they are doing several initiatives including its “Children’s Haven” program that helps educate street children.

The station also conducts regular drug symposiums in public schools.

Separately, Talosig also said his station is also exerting more efforts against illegal drug selling through continuous operations.

Talosig said his personnel were able to confiscate more than eight kilos of suspected shabu from August 2022 to August 2023 to decrease the presence of drug sellers within his jurisdiction.

Talosig said his station is also making strides in opening the way for its barangays to become “drug-cleared.”

Barangays under Sawang Calero Police Station are Pasil, Suba, Sawang Calero, Calamba, Pahina San Nicolas, and San Nicolas Proper.

Talosig said of the six barangays, Pasil is currently considered as “seriously affected” when it comes to illegal drug activity.

Barangays Suba, Calamba, and San Nicolas Proper, on the other hand, are considered “moderately affected” while Pahina San Nicolas and Sawang Calero are slightly affected.

Regular drug symposiums in public schools and house visitations are also being conducted. (CEBU NEWS)