EDITORIAL

Be Aware of “Oplan Katok”

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

“Law Enforcement and Fire Prevention” is the topic of Kapihan held at Payag Street Lounge on March 9, 2013. The guests are Fire Insp. Donie M. Torre, Kalibo Fire Station, SPO4 Luzbella M. Isada, PS Insp. Renante D. Matillano, Kalibo MPS and SPO3 Abraham T. Regatalio, Kalibo MPS.

Insp. Matillano disclosed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is implementing “Oplan Katok” in compliance to the Comelec gun ban that covers from January 13 to May 30, 2013 or the midterm elections. As of 25 February this year, a total of 1,150 firearms license failed to be renewed by gun owners while about half or 1,005 are considered loose firearms.

Kalibo, being the capital town has 743 expired licenses. The owners are advised to renew their individual license, pay corresponding penalty (P5,000 per handgun) or turn them over to PNP for safekeeping. Presently, the police is engaged in info dissemination through the mass media. So far, the result is satisfactory. Some 28 gun owners had renewed their licenses while 700 are still being processed. 

SPO3 Regatalio reported that crime incidence in Kalibo is mainly theft and robbery committed mostly by minors. Children in Conflict with the Law or RA 9344 provides forbearance on the part of law enforcers to impose stiff penalties if offenders are less than 17 years old. The youth is presumed innocent when he/she lacks discernment of the crime.

Instead of applying the full force of the law as in adult cases, children together with their parents, are given proper counseling by PNP and DSWD personnel. Regatalio warned that recidivists or those arrested more than three times will be evaluated for other possible infringement of the law.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) cites March as Fire Prevention month in compliance with Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A of former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos. Inspector Torre averred that based on record, March has the highest incidence of fire in the country although this needs review today with climate change. Fire is both friend and foe so people must exert extra diligence to prevent and contain fire outbreak that may result to loss of lives and property. 

The best advice during a conflagration is never to panic: call immediately fire station hotline 143 (Pantelco) or 160 (Cruztelco). Fire Marshall Torre added that in the event of fire with ordinary combustible materials, the first three minutes is crucial since it can be extinguished either by physical, chemical or mechanical control measures.

SPO4 Isada mentioned that the PNP Community Relations Division is implementing RA 9262 or the law protecting and enhancing women’s rights. A series of dialogues is held in Linabuan Sur and Tinigao to orient women as well as men on the basic rights and responsibilities. 

Gender-based discussions give women insights into their multi-tasking role as wife, mother, counselor, manager, and wage earner. It is unfortunate that wives often forget to feed their hungry husbands or being obsessed with gambling itch like “tong-its or mahjong” and that’s where the trouble or violence erupts, said Isada. 

The total crime volume in 2012 the Akan Police Provincial Office (APPO) reported shows a decrease of 3.69 percent compared to 2011. The actual data is 919 cases in 2011 while this fell to 885 in 2012. The improvement is also noted in crime solution efficiency with an increase of 10.8 percent for the one year period. P/Supt. Pedrito Escarilla believes the overall improvement in performance is the Pro-active Policing System (PAPS). Undoubtedly, the higher police visibility and professionalism have contributed much to regain public trust for police personnel. 

Considering that rules of engagement in highway checkpoints manned by Comelec and PNP forbid the body searches for hidden weapons and/or drugs, law enforcers must use K-9 units to flush out contraband items. Trained canine dogs however is a rarity in the Philippines. Its services are mostly confined to international airports and seaports. Boracay, being a premiere high end tourist destination in the country, must have them to effectively eradicate the scourge of drugs and loose firearms.

Observation shows the lamentable acute shortage of guns and ammunition in the PNP. There is also lack of service vehicles and fire trucks. It is difficult to imagine responding to a crime on foot. Worse, for 10 out of 17 towns in Aklan have no fire stations to call in case of emergencies. Yet, directive of BFP states that firemen must come to the rescue within five minutes after the call is made. Urgent appeal is made to our elected officials and civil organizations to provide at least a functional fire station with two service vehicles in each municipality.

Do you agree that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty? Crime prevention is not only the responsibility of law enforcers but everyone in the community. The peace and freedom that we enjoy are the fruits of our collective efforts. Indeed, without peace there can be no development. /MP