SP approves LACAP

COTABATO CITY --- The 15^thSangguniangPanlungsod (SP) of this city has approved the Local Anti-Criminality Action Plan(LACAP) proposed by the executive department to further maintain peace and order here..

City ViceMayor Graham Dumama said the SP approved the request of City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi and now the plan is being adopted by the legislative council.

“We have been supportive about this because we know all these developments would not be reached by the city government if not for the improved peace and order,” said ViceMayor Dumama.

Dumama stressed “we have to sustain peace and order to continue fast tracking the various development efforts of the city government.”

“The city SP assures to support the funding of peace and order efforts,” he said.

Dumama cited thatthe Task Force Kutawato is also part of the plan, which includes not only the uniformed men but also the participation of the private sector.

Previously, the SP endorsed Resolution No. 6124, series of 2017, for the organization and activation of “Task Force Kutawato.”

The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) has unanimously adopted and approved the proposed organization and activation of the task force.

CouncilorAbdillah Lim, who endorsed the SP resolution,said the task force is composed of elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically the 5th Special Forces Battalion and the Cotabato City Police Office which are tasked to maintain law and order, public safety, and law enforcement within the territorial jurisdiction.

“With the distinctive topographic characteristics of our city, composed of dozens of islets and criss-crossed by numerous waterways, neither the AFP nor the PNP operating separately could ensure the security of the area. In addition, with the steady growing population and economic activities, there is an imperative necessity to unify and combine the resources and capability of both law enforcers through the organization of a joint task force so they could effectively perform primary duties and responsibilities and ensure the safety and security of our populace,” said Lim.

The SP also endorsed to the 6^th Infantry Division the request of the city mayor  for the organization of a Special Civilian Active Auxiliary.

“We cannot deny the fact that our city is presently growing, both in terms of economic development and population density. In parallel to this growth is the possible rise in criminality and security threats which could not be discounted or underestimated,” Lim said.

Meanwhile, the crime volume in the city’s 37 barangays declined in the first quarter of 2017, more than 60 percent lower with what was recorded in the same period last year.

Halima Satol-Ibrahim, city information officer, saidthe four police precincts in the city registered a crime volume of only 105 from January to March this year.

“The city PNP recorded a 303 total crime volume in areas covered by the four police precincts here from January to March last year,” she said.

Senior Superintendent Victor Valencia, director of the Cotabato City Police Office, said there is 65.3 percent decrease in crimes in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the statistics for the first three months of 2016.

“Police Precinct 1 only had a 55 crime volume record during the first quarter of 2017 while Precincts 2, 3 and 4 only listed 43, five, and three, respectively,” he said.

Precinct 1 had 153 from January to March 2016, followed by Precinct 2 with 129, Precinct 3 with nine, and Precinct 4 with 12 recorded crime volumes each.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said if we are able to maintain peace and order, “lots of investors would come in.”

“I believe in maintaining peace and order.It is not the sole responsibility of those who are from the government. We need the help and cooperation of everyone. It is our responsibility to guard our beloved city from any threat and terrorism,” she said.

Guiani-Sayadi also appealed to the barangay officials to always implement pro-active measures and be of help to authorities in maintaining peace and order.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)