Cebu cops find joy in giving, serving

CEBU, Philippines — As clock strikes 12 midnight later today, families across the country are expected to share a meal together in the traditional noche buena celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

But it will not be the case for thousands of men in uniform who have been tasked to ensure the safety of people in the midst of the holiday revelries.

Yet for Police Officer 2 Joseph Jungao, the thought of being able to secure civilians through patrolling and constant monitoring is more than enough to feel the yuletide vibe.

Jungao, who has been hailed the best foot patroller of Cebu City’s Fuente police for 2017, said the Fuente Osmeña rotunda where he is stationed is considered a hotspot for pickpockets.

During these times, the number of people asking for directions and assistance normally surges. Within his 12-hour day shift, more than a hundred people would approach him for queries.

The award-winning police officer said police presence in the area can at least help discourage pickpockets from victimizing unsuspecting targets.

He, just like his fellow policemen, may not have been granted holiday break unlike ordinary employees, but Jungao still finds it fulfilling to serve and sacrifice in the name of service.

“At least makauli gihapon mi. Nindot sad kaayo labaw na nga makatabang,” Jungao said.

Police, under the administration of President Duterte, have been generally perceived by some quarters as brute, especially when it comes to their incessant fight against illegal drugs. But this season, many police stations have launched initiatives that showed their sunny personalities.

Some stations under the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) have reached out to underprivileged families in the remote areas of their jurisdictions to impart the true spirit of Christmas —sharing of blessings.

Two notable stations are Compostela and Alcantara whose acts of caroling and giving gifts to poor families in the mountainous area went viral online. Other stations like Naga, Talisay, Samboan, Borbon, Santander, Danao, and Ronda also replicated the idea as they played Santa cops for a day.

CPPO spokesperson Police Superintendent Virgilio Bayon-on said they encouraged all the stations in Cebu province under the supervision of CPPO Director Edgar Alan Okubo to share their blessings and reach out to the community.

“Para usab makita sa mga tawo ang laing side sa kapulisan. Dili ra mi puro panakop ang trabaho, but gusto sad namo nga malipay ang mga napiling recipients pinaagi sa ginagmay nga gasa,” said Bayon-on.

“Lahi ni siya nga caroling kay imbes nga silay tagaan, sila maoy mohatag sa gidaygunan,” Bayon-on added.

He said the funds used in these campaigns came from the police themselves.

Alcantara Police Chief Rose Marie Acupinpin said they did not expect that their Santa Cops video would go viral online. But more than anything else, she said, it made them happy because they were able to inspire ordinary people, not just their fellow policemen.

“Nalipay mi nga nalipay pud ang among gipangtagaan bisag ginagmay ug kami pud sa among kaugalingon nakadawat mi og self-satisfaction,” said Acupinpin.

This is the first time in Cebu province that such initiative was done in all stations. Bayon-on said they will do the same campaign next year.

In Danao, a child got another lease on life after he was saved by SPO2 Delicio Esconde from drowning during a party. Immediately, Esconde rushed towards child to help him out.

This earned him the award of Police Non-Commissioned Officer of the Week, a Danao police station initiative anchored on Cebu Provincial Police Office’s Random Acts of Kindness or RAKS program.

In Cebu City, members of the Mabolo police are never to be left out. Recently, they surprised jeepney drivers with carols and Christmas baskets with several gift items.

Armed with their poker faces, a set of at least 10 cops would stop an approaching PUJ, only to sing carols and hand over goodies to the lucky driver.

Police Regional Office-7 Director Senior Superintendent Jose Mario Espino told The FREEMAN that such acts are exemplary and should be followed by other personnel.

“That is one of the best practices in the Philippine National Police of PRO-7. (I encourage them) to practice such every day,” Espino said.

Espino previously directed the police to stay on their guard in the wake of terroristic attacks led by some communist rebels.

His Christmas wish is for crime rate in Central Visayas to fall in 2018.

Crime rate in the region presently stands at 13 percent, which is more than the 9.33 percent average monthly crime rate based on the PNP headquarters’ data.

“I assure you, the people of Central Visayas, that the PNP and PRO-7 personnel will do our very best to protect your communities and family, resources and culture from any harm, from any lawless element and we will live our motto, ABCD (Always Busy Catching Drug Lords) this 2018,” Espino said. (FREEMAN)