SAFER STREETS
PNP reports lower street crimes last year

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

The Philippine National Police (PNP) cited as one of the highlights of its accomplishments last year the reduction of street crimes. Police Regional Office (PRO-6) director Chief Supt. George L. Aliño said the country's crime volume reduced by 10 percent while monthly crime rate decreased by 11.49 percent.

He attributed the accomplishment to the widespread police visibility especially on commercial districts.

“PRO-6 is the highest ranking performer,” Aliño gladly said adding, PRO-6 was able to hit the target on resolving the unsolved crimes in the last three years. The region's police recorded 55 percent crime solution efficiency.

Aliño pointed out that PRO-6 also aims for higher reduction of street crimes to at least 40 percent this year from the 27 percent in 2004. He added, the major thrust will focus on the neutralization of crime gangs.

Aliño further added that the PNP leadership in the region would “double up” their efforts relative to the CARE (Courtesy, Action, Result, Example) directive of PNP chief Edgardo Aglipay.

The PNP noted that “Project Item” was implemented to optimize the employment and deployment of personnel in performing the three basic police functions of patrolling, traffic management and investigation.

The strategy ensues that each member of the police force effectively undertakes his specific duties in respective place and time of work.

“In a short time, the PNP was able to strengthen its crime prevention program through operational readiness by having its personnel available at all times to respond to calls for police assistance,” the accomplishment report said.

There is also the downloading of personnel from headquarters to stations, maintaining a ratio of 10 percent for the headquarters and 90 percent assigned at the field units.

“Inspection teams ensured that detailed personnel are fulfilling their tasks and providing the required services to the people,” it said, adding that a partnership with the barangays was built and mobilized in anti-criminality campaigns.

“To keep them at pace with the growing sophistication of crimes, the policemen undertook career and specialized courses, foreign training on anti-terrorism and transnational crimes, and courses on investigation and information technology,” the PNP reported.