Marbil deploys more uniformed cops on streets
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has ordered the deployment of more uniformed and plainclothes policemen on the streets to help arrest criminality.
The top cop has already reassigned some 600 policemen previously assigned to different administrative offices at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame to the National Capital Region Police Office and other nearby police regional offices to beef-up their visibility patrols.
Presence of uniformed policemen conducting bike or motorcycle patrols or patrolling on major roads and other thoroughfares are known to be an effective anti-crime deterrent particularly in stopping the presence of motorcycle-riding criminals.
According to PNP spokesperson, Colonel Jean S. Fajardo, the PNP chief saw to it that Camp Crame-based policemen who have long been doing administrative works will be performing real police work in police stations and other Metro Manila police headquarters.
Real police work means pounding the beat to assure the public that a policeman is just around the corner in case they need help.
Col. Fajardo said the move will also further improve police response.
According to the official, Gen. Marbil ordered the deployment of additional cops in the streets amid several incidents of gun-slayings involving Riding-in-Tandem Criminals in Metro Manila and the provinces.
“Kaya ipinag-utos na ng ating Chief PNP na dagdagan pa ang deployment ng ating mga tauhan sa mga pangunahing kalsada natin,” she said.
Last May 24, a motorcycle-riding assassin shot and killed top Land Transportation Office official Mercedita ‘Ditas’ Gutierrez as the victim was driving her van just a few kilometers away from the LTO main office in Quezon City.
Members of the Q.C. Police District under Brigadier Gen. Redrico A. Maranan, with the help of four witnesses and CCTV footages have arrested the gunman. The suspect who has been charged with murder has refused to cooperate with QCPD investigators and won’t tell who ordered him to kill the LTO official.
Then there is the case of an auto mechanic who bludgeoned to death his live-in partner and the latter’s sister and nephew inside their house in Las Piñas City. With the help of CCTV recordings at the scene, the Southern Police District headed by Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Z. Rosete captured the suspect who is now facing multiple murder cases.
Col. Fajardo said that at present, the PNP’s crime solution efficiency is at around 90 percent. She also said that quality CCTV cameras installed in residential houses and public areas have been instrumental in the solution of many crimes in Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
“Hindi na lamang probable cause ang gusto natin sa pagsasampa ng kaso kundi ‘yung reasonable certainty of conviction na po ‘yung ating hinahabol,” she said.
The major anti-crime gains and disaster preparedness of the PNP has caught the attention of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who commended the force’s resiliency in addressing criminality while ensuring its preparedness to help others each time a calamity or any disaster strikes the country.
Last week, the Commander-in-Chief commended the PNP for significantly reducing the country’s crime volume from July 2022 to May 2024 which he attributed to the major anti-criminality
President Marcos also emphasized the importance of enhancing the PNP’s capabilities in combating cybercrime, acknowledging the increasing threat posed by digital crimes.
On the issue of illegal drugs, he praised the PNP’s performance in the first five months of 2024, particularly in addressing illegal drug activities even as he urged the PNP to focus on apprehending major suppliers and high-profile drug personalities.
Regarding disaster preparedness, the President called for additional training for PNP personnel to improve their preparedness and response to disasters to ensure the safety and security of the public.
He also stressed the importance of gathering intelligence to prevent criminal activities and highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to address illegal gambling.
The Commander-in-Chief also proposed the establishment of a legal department within the PNP to provide legal assistance and representation for police personnel, ensuring that they have the necessary support in legal matters.
The President observed a general improvement in criminality rates, attributing this success to the PNP’s dedicated efforts. In preparation for next year’s elections, he directed the PNP to start disarming and dismantling private armed groups, emphasizing the need to gather intelligence, seize illegal firearms, and identify potential hotspots to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
He also said that the rightsizing of PNP personnel will help avoid redundant duties and responsibilities. He said the PNP’s ‘rightsizing plans’ will really maximize police force and enhance police visibility nationwide.
He also underscored the importance of thorough security preparations for Independence Day on June 12 to ensure safe and orderly celebrations. Furthermore, he instructed the PNP to intensify intelligence monitoring ahead of his State of the Nation Address (SONA) next month, advising vigilance and patience to prevent disruptions.
Overall, President Marcos Jr. expressed satisfaction with the steadily improving performance of the PNP and assured continued support under his leadership.
