NCRPO launches SAFE vs crimes

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office yesterday deployed around 10,000 personnel to conduct patrols in Metro Manila from dusk to dawn under the NCRPO’s new public security program.

Acting NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo launched SAFE, which means that the police must be “Seen, Appreciated and Felt by the people through Extraordinary actions” around the clock.

Estomo said the program seeks to boost police visibility to prevent crimes in Metro Manila.

The program will be enforced by what Estomo dubbed as the “Police Visibility Group.”

Estomo said the security measures yielded positive results in his previous posts, particularly in the Bicol region and when he was a member of the United Nations Police Division in Kosovo and Haiti.

“We must be seen in the community. Police presence not only deters criminals but assures the people that they will be safe and protected from harm. By doing this, we earn the trust, active participation and support of the public,” Estomo said during the send-off rites.

NCRPO spokesman Lt. Col. Dexter Versola said about 10,000 police personnel would implement the program.

“But the ground commanders may adjust the number if the need arises,” Versola said.

The NCRPO has recalled all deployed police motorcycles for inventory in preparation for the full implementation of the policy.

“Aside from foot patrols, we will be deploying motorcycle patrollers,” Estomo said.

The policy, Estomo said, is also hinged on a shock and awe approach in which police officers would be patrolling around the clock to break criminals’ routines and modus operandi.

“It means that while the people are asleep, the police are awake… to protect them. We have identified communities and subdivisions where we need to deploy more police officers,” he said.