Mayors key to anti-crime campaign

Metro police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco yesterday cited the crucial role of Metro Manila mayors in the government’s anti-crime campaign against syndicated crimes such as bank robberies, kidnap-for-ransom and drug trafficking, street crimes and even terrorism.

Velasco acknowledged the support of Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr.; Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza; Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay; Caloocan City Mayor Rey Malonzo; Marikina City Mayor Lourdez Fernando; Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad and other local government chiefs in the National Capital Region Police Office’s drive against all forms of criminality, particularly in providing the necessary assistance that would boost the police capability.

"Our mayors play a vital role in the success of NCRPO’s anti-crime drive in the metropolis and their assistance will be a big boost in our effort to maintain the peace and order of the entire Metro Manila," Velasco said.

He added, "Teamwork between the mayors and the district and station commanders is necessary to put a stop in the surge of criminality especially now that we are towards the holiday season where we expect an increase in the crime incidents."

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo earlier acknowledged the LGUs role in the government’s battle against criminality through the issuance of Memorandum Order 77, which gives the mayors administrative and operation control over their respective police units.

"The issuance of the Memorandum Order has stressed the importance of the LGUs and police concerted effort to win the war against all forms of criminality," Velasco said as he lauded LGU chiefs particularly Mayors Atienza, Binay and Belmonte in providing the necessary logistics to the NCRPO.

"Donations and financial support being provided by our Metro Manila mayors have been very helpful in improving our effort to maintaining the peace and order in the metropolis," Velasco said, citing the recent donation of P6 million worth of equipment by the Quezon City government to further augment the law enforcement and counter-terrorism capability of the Central Police District (CPD).

Velasco said that continuous support of the LGUs would also enhance the capability of Metro Manila police through the NCRPO’s Huli Agad and Pulis Mabilis programs, which aims to provide the citizens with a quick response unit.

Likewise, Velasco reiterated his earlier call to increase the number of Metro Manila cops, which at 17,000 are undermanned by 10,000 policemen serving 12 million people.

The overall police to population ratio is 1:809 for NCR; Western Police District (WPD) has a ration of 1:979; Eastern Police District (EPD), 1:995; Southern Police District (SPD), 1:1,419; Central Police District (CPD), 1:828; and Northern Police District, 1:1,419. – Non Alquitran