Razon urges cops to focus on keeping peace, order

Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon Jr. has urged his men to concentrate on their peacekeeping mission, now that the healing process of the nation has begun under newly installed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Razon stressed that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) must be apolitical and should always adhere to the Constitution. It is common knowledge that some Manila policemen were discreetly taking sides during the four-day People Power II.

"In the light of the developing national situation, it is important that the WPD, a major unit of the PNP, remains united and capabale of undertaking its mandated peacekeeping mission," Razon stated in a memorandum to all police units.

He stressed that the police’s foremost duty is to uphold and enforce the law. According to him, the people must be assured that the police force will always be on duty to maintain peace and order and will protect their lives and properties.

To achieve an effective crime deterrence especially during these trying times, Razon ordered the police to sustain maximum visibility and to tightly secure vital installations and establishments.

At the same time, Razon acknowledged the role of the people as an effective "force multipliers" against crime. He encouraged the police to organize, train and mobilize citizens police auxiliary groups such as barangay tanods, security guards, radio communication groups and anti-crime organizations.

Razon wants to intensify the intelligence monitoring of crime groups by tapping the barangay information networks. He said this can be achieved by the regular "ugnayan" or coordination with the barangays. – Nestor Etolle