THE Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) should continue to attain a steady transformation into the ideal police force the country should have.
This was underscored by lawyer Rogelio Casurao, National Police Commission (Napolcom) vice chairman and executive officer, during this year's observance of the National Crime Prevention Week at the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PRO-COR) in Camp Bado Dangwa with a theme "Mamamayan, Sama-Samang Makialam upang Krimen at Korapsyon ay Hadlangan."
Casurao reiterated the importance of transforming the PNP to strengthen its community relations.
"Despite accusations hurled against some members of the PNP allegedly involved in illegal activities which taints the reputation of the organization, we should continue to positively highlight the image of the police," Casurao said.
He also reminded the PNP to continue to build its positive connection with the community since they are its partners in combatting criminality.
"Napolcom stands by the government's commitment to provide innovative projects on the anti-criminality campaign to further improve the socioeconomic status of the citizenry," Casurao added.
Evelyn Puddoc, Napolcom Cordillera director, pointed out at present, PRO-COR is considered as one of the regional units in the country having minimal number of administrative cases filed against its personnel.
"At present, there are only eight administrative cases which have been filed against our policemen and is now undergoing the process of hearing by the commission and the central office of the PNP at Camp Crame," Puddoc explained.
Aside from the minimal number of administrative cases recorded in the region, Napolcom-CAR also recognized the strong community involvement and relations established by the police in their community and the local government units.
"Our policemen in the Cordillera continue to exert efforts in connecting with the community. This is proof of their wanting to be instruments of change and development, aside from being partners in the delivery of services to their constituents," Puddoc added.
Every first week of September is declared National Crime Prevention Week pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 461 signed by them President Fidel Ramos on August 31, 1994.
With the celebration, all government agencies and instruments of government are enjoined to evolve and implement projects and activities that focus on prevention as an approach in combating criminality.
According to the proclamation, the observance hopes to generate awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of crime prevention and encourage interest and the participation of the general public.
