OLONGAPO POLICE CITES ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) takes pride in its accomplishments for the year 2008.

In his speech during the celebration of the 18th Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) recently, City Director PSSupt Abelardo P. Villacorta enumerated the significant events that led to the realization of their dreams and aspirations for the city and its people in line with the programs of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.

“An improved crime situation and heightened state of personnel morale and boost of welfare, facilities upgrade and training of personnel highlighted the gains of our flagship program,” Villacorta stated. “Crime situation for the whole year of 2008 indicated a decrease in crime volume with 88 recorded incidents compared to the 261 crimes recorded in 2007. Crime solution efficiency also improved to 95.9%.”

“Out of 173 crime volume, 69 or 39.88% are considered as index crimes (i.e. murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault/battery,
burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson), reflecting a decrease of 37 index crimes compared to 106 incidents in 2007,” Villacorta reported.

“Administrative and operational actions as well as quick win projects under the PNP Integrated Transformation Program that were implemented brought immediate results and positive impact on the PNP and the community as well,” he also added.

Villacorta also attributed the decrease in crime incidents to the effective community partnership and improved police response. He stated that “the barangay tanod and purok leaders institutionalized as police force multipliers reinforced the shortage of police deployment in the barangays which galvanized the collaborative partnership of the police and community in peacekeeping.”

Barangay Banicain was cited as the most peaceful having recorded zero crime rate for the whole year of 2008. This year, Barangays Mabayuan and Gordon Heights are replicating the good practices of Banicain. “I hope this will go on all year round until all 17 barangays in the city attain zero crime.” Villacorta said.

OCPO was also successful in restructuring their organization with the activation of a Special Reaction Unit composed of SWAT, EOD, K9, WASAR and Tourist police which was done in partnership with the LGUs, other government agencies, the business group, non-government organizations, religious sector, academe and the media.

All these are part of their plan to make the Olongapo police more effective and responsive in maintaining the peace and ensure the continuous progress of the city as support to its fight for excellence.

Police visibility around the city is more pronounced with the awarding of two (2) Vios patrol cars and two (2) Honda 400cc motorcycles from the City Government, which was in addition to the two (2) motorcycles and one (1) Toyota Innova patrol issued by the PNP Headquarters.

Also cited were the arrest of suspected drug users/pushers and filing of cases in court with four (4) accused already convicted; the neutralization of syndicated crime groups; and the arrest of five (5) of the city’s most wanted.

Villacorta also mentioned the strict enforcement of the City Ordinance NR 63 Series of 2008 or the total ban on firecrackers in the city.

“I would like to emphasize that OCPO’s achievements would not have been possible without the indispensable cooperation of other agencies, NGOs and various sectors of the community. Today, it is our turn to extend our gratitude to you, our partners and stakeholders,” Villacorta affirmed.

Still in line with the celebration, thirteen police personnel were commended while nineteen (19) personalities and groups from LGUs/ NGOs and concerned groups and individuals were given special awards by the PNP. Topping the list is Olongapo City Mayor James "Bong" Gordon, Jr.

First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Marie Gordon is the guest speaker during the said event.

PAO/chay