Belmonte orders police: Curb crimes vs women, children

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday ordered the local police to intensify their efforts in curbing crimes against women and children.

Belmonte issued the directive during the 80th founding anniversary of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) at Camp Karingal.

“Sana patuloy ko po kayo maasahan to run after the perpetrators of violence against women and children,” she said.

Belmonte asked police officers to strictly implement the city government’s ordinances on catcalling and sexual harassment.

“We are the first city that passed these laws to show our respect for women,” she said.

While the gender gap remains prevalent in the police force, Belmonte pointed out that policewomen are getting more recognition in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

At least eight awardees in yesterday’s event were policewomen.

“Natutuwa ako na makita na ang ilan sa mga pinarangalan ng PNP ngayong taon ay mga kababaihan,” Belmonte said.

The mayor lauded the QCPD for it’s anti-crime drive.   

Police records showed that index crimes in the city decreased by 12.10 percent and non-index crimes by 7.48 percent from January to September.

In response to the accomplishments of the QCPD, the local government donated an air-conditioned bus to the police.

Belmonte said two more buses are expected to be delivered soon to boost the QCPD’s campaign against crimes.

Also in the pipeline is a bomb disposal robot and sniper rifles, she added.

With the additional equipment and firepower, Belmonte asked the QCPD to achieve a zero-crime rate.

“Kahit ano pang hiling ninyo ay ibibigay po natin basta zero-crime rate tayo bago matapos ang aking unang termino,” she said.