Razon orders deployment of more cops in metropolis

With Christmas less than 100 days away, newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr. ordered yesterday the downloading of 90 percent of policemen from the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) in the streets of the metropolis to curb street crimes.

Razon said logistics and other supports would be thrown to the stations or line units, who are in the forefront in the “war” against lawless elements and terrorists.

The PNP chief said key positions at the NCRPO and its five police districts formerly manned by uniformed personnel would be taken over by qualified non-uniformed personnel.

Razon was the guest of honor yesterday when Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla turned over command of the NCRPO to former Comptroller chief Director Geary Barias at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

When he assumed command of the 120,000-strong PNP Monday, Razon admitted the police organization needs more committed leaders in the reform process and “the deeper commitment of each and every personnel towards attaining our vision of a police force that is truly capable, effective and credible.”

“With Gen. Barias at the helm, I expect the NCRPO to lead the way and serve as the example to all other units and offices. This is a challenge that I leave you and one that I am sure you will face and hurdle with flying colors,” said Razon.

A former NCRPO chief himself, Razon noted that street crimes are on the rise during the Christmas season. The PNP chief is hoping that by downloading policemen and resources to the stations and line units, the NCRPO would realize its objectives of curbing street crimes and make life better for Metro Manilans.

“We shall waste no time; we shall waste no energy and effort. Let us keep in mind that every effort that we give, no matter how small it may be, will make big results in the end,” said Razon.

The PNP chief wanted some changes at the NCRPO in the field of personnel, operation, investigation, logistics, police community relations, and research and development.

Henceforth, Razon said he wanted NCRPO policemen to use field cap or baseball cap as head gear. As a standard item of equipment, whistle, he said, shall be worn hanging from the left breast pocket tied to a lanyard lopped on the left shoulder. The NCRPO lanyard should be blue and gold.

Beat patrollers should use the baton while gun belts or holsters shall be of a standard uniform. Those riding in motorcycles or scooters should wear helmets.

Razon also recalled high-powered firearms issued to police stations in Metro Manila and replaced them with short firearms.

He said only the Regional Special Action Unit (RSAU), District Special Reaction Units (DSRUs) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) would be issued high-powered firearms.

No plate, no travel policy

The PNP chief directed the NCRPO to strictly enforce the “no plate, no travel policy,” and the proper display of license plates issued by the Land Transportation Office.

As a pre-emptive measure against street crimes, Razon intends to deploy additional policemen in areas where people congregate like Divisoria and Quiapo in Manila, Sucat in Parañaque City and other places where flea markets thrive during the Christmas season.

When he took over the helm of the PNP Monday, Razon distributed the so-called Commander’s Manual, which outlines the course of action his leadership would take in the next 12 months.

“I expect that you use this manual as your constant guide in your everyday management and operations of your respective units,” he said, stressing that his leadership is open to “new things and new ideas” for the betterment of the PNP as a whole.

Razon said he would be enforcing changes and improvements in the PNP under his leadership. “We shall institute changes where (they are) necessary and enforce improvements where improvements are required.

I shall expect everyone to move forward and perform better than before. Doing nothing will never be an option,” he said.

The PNP chief warned that policemen who are medically and physically unfit for police service and those who failed to pass the required physical fitness tests four times would be attrited.

“I ask you to join me now and in the coming months as we walk the extra mile together for the PNP and the Filipino nation,” said Razon. “Join me in moving the PNP forward so that we can all truly serve and protect our country and people.”