Representatives from the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army highlighted the efforts of the local law enforcement and security sectors in solving crime incidents and securing the town from insurgents during the recently-held Barangayan sa Bagong Pilipinas Forum here.
Police Capt. Andrew Anque, chief of Zamboanguita Police Station, said local police utilized CCTV footages from private establishments here to track down suspects of recent murder cases in the town that resulted to solving these crimes.
“Having high definition CCTVs is an advantage for us. Chances are, when we have proper description of the suspect, it will be easy for us to track the suspect,” he said.
He appealed to barangay officials in Zamboanguita to follow the lead of the municipal government and invest in high quality CCTV systems as part of their crime prevention measures.
“Having a CCTV system is an advantage because it keeps on rolling for 24 hours. We are glad that our LGU is responsive on this matter, and in fact, an ordinance has been passed and they are starting to install CCTV units along major highways of our town,” Anque said.
Aside from this, the municipal police station also increased the visibility of its law enforcement officers through regular conduct of checkpoints along main roads and boundaries of the town.
Anque said this is to ensure public safety as most cases of physical injury recorded by the police resulted from vehicular accidents.
He added that this is also part of the municipal police’s strategies to ensure that drivers carry with them the necessary documents to prove their driving skills and reduce traffic-related accidents.
Meanwhile, Philippine Army 11th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Michael Aquino said the government security forces are further strengthening its internal territorial defense system in the 3rd District of Negros Oriental to defeat the remnants of Communist-Terrorist-Group-New People’s Army in the area.
Part of their strategies is reaching out to communities and visiting barangays to orient village officials and residents on the various recruitment schemes implemented by CTG-NPAs.
Aquino said they are continuously strengthening their linkages with the community in Zamboanguita.
He assured residents that can always reach out to the army for any assistance including disaster response and crime prevention.
Aquino said they have not identified a personality in Zamboanguita who is a member of the CTG. “Basically, our problem on CTGs is under control in this town but we must not be complacent. They still have eight members roaming around and they still have a legal front organization. They can still carry out recruitment and deceitful acts.”
The Barangayan sa Bagong Pilipinas is PIA’s newest grassroots communication program intended to disseminate information on government thrusts and programs directly to the barangays to address a prevailing issue of the community.
PIA Government Information Center coordinator Jenny Tilos said the Barangayan Forum also serves as a platform for the public to raise their concerns or suggestions to government agencies.
Although Dumaguete City logged the highest number of eight focus crimes for the year with 73 total cases, Zamboanguita had the highest percentage of increase with 19 percent this year, compared to Dumaguete which recorded a 16 percent increase from last year. (RAL/PIA7-NegOr)
