BACK TO WORK
PRO-6 vows to neutralize crime gangs in the region

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is "back to normal" after the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, ended yesterday January 6.

Police Regional Office (PRO-6) director Chief Supt. George L. Aliño stressed the PNP is on full alert status by midnight of January 5, and the time when the president left for Indonesia .

The PRO-6 conducted the traditional New Year's Call at Camp Delgado Wednesday. The celebration also highlighted the Police Community Relations (PCR) Month this January.

Aliño said the activity was symbolic of "what we do everyday". It was also to remind every PNP personnel of their involvement in "reaching out to the community," he added.

Meanwhile, all provincial and city police directors in Western Visayas attended the command conference after the program.

Aliño stressed the police would "double up" their efforts relative to the directive of PNP Chief Edgar Aglipay, the CARE (Courtesy, Action, Result, Example).

"Right now, the PRO-6 is the highest ranking performer," he told members of Defense Press Corps.

"Our major thrust is the neutralization of crime gangs," Aliño pointed out.

He noted, the PNP also aims for the improvement in reduction of street crimes which posted at 27 percent last year to at least 40 percent this 2005.

With regards to the campaign against illegal drugs, Aliño said authorities will focus on the clearing of 85 drug-affected barangays in the region.

He also bared there is a new procedure for the Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force.

Likewise, he said there will be a tight crackdown on kidnap-for-ransom groups. Aliño cited that PNP units will also be updated with the pictures of wanted personalities.

Aliño expressed they have hit the target on resolving the unsolved crimes in the last three years. The PRO-6 recorded 55 percent solution efficiency. However, he said the region's police still lack about 2,000 short firearms.

But the policemen would conduct sustained operations against the insurgents in Panay and Negros Islands , Aliño said.

He noted that two major atrocities had been staged by the NPA in Panay area last year. These were the raid in Tubungan, Iloilo PNP Station and the ambush at San Remigio, Antique.

Aliño added that other minor violence include threat to businessmen when the rebel bombed last December the construction equipment of International Builders Corporation which is constructing a dam in Dumarao, Capiz.