Newly installed officer-in-charge Supt. Juritz Rara has reported that crime volume in Mabalacat City has decreased by 23 percent based on the comprehensive crime report in the 3rd quarter.
The police report indicated that from July to September 2016, only 386 (56.39%) incidents of crime had been reported compared to the 544 (79.48%) posted in the same period last year.
“Napakalaki po ng ibinaba ng ating crime rate dahil aside from checkpoint and buy-bust operations, ako mismo ang nagpupunta sa mga barangay para malaman ang talagang pangangailangan nila. Simula nang maupo ako noong September 10 ay nasa kalahati na ng lahat ng barangay dito ang nabisita ko. Tinuturuan ko ang mga BADAC members at tanods ng basic policing para magampanan nila ng maayos ang kanilang trabaho,” said Rara.
Rara disclosed that in just 20 days, he has already apprehended 23 drug users and 12 pushers and two had been killed in separate police operations.
“Napakalaki po ng nakaatang sa aming balikat at alam naman natin na kulang ang ating mga kapulisan. Hinihingi po namin ang inyong tulong na i-report kung may namomonitor kayong illegal activities lalo na sa drugs para magawan ng aksyon,” Rara added.
Currently, there are only 91 policemen in Mabalacat City.
Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales has tapped the Mabalacat City Federation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Law Enforcement Hotline Movement, Inc., Public Safety Office, Traffic Management Office, Philippine Army, Mabalacat City Anti Drug Abuse Council and Barangay Anti Drug Abuse Council in the campaign against illegal drugs.
“Until November 15 po ang directive sa amin ni PNP Region 3 Director Aaron Aquino kung kaya’t dinodoble namin ang effort at kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga,” Rara said.
On the rehabilitation and livelihood program of the city government for the surrendered drug users and peddlers, a single-storey rehabilitation center dubbed as ‘Bahay Pagbabago’ will house 40 patients at the Mawaque Resettlement in Sapang Biabas.
The one-month reformation program includes lectures by the religious sector while livelihood programs in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development, City Public Employment Service Office and Technical Education Skills and Development Authority will also be made avilable.
Morales has vowed his support to provide the necessary equipment and facilities for the victims of prohibited drugs.
“Illegal drugs are the root of all evil. We need to eradicate this to attract more investors and generate more jobs for the Mabalaqueños. We want to see Mabalacat as a city of peace, beauty and prosperity, and the gateway to the world,” said Morales.