Mayor Rivera assures added support for GenSan police

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has assured the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) of additional support for all the eight police offices spread out across the city.

The mayor visited Pendatun PNP and Lagao PNP to inspect their stations and to see what the police on the ground needs.

Rivera also held a meeting with P/Chief Inspector Edgar Yago, commanding officer of the Pendatun PNP and P/Senior Inspector Benito Rotia Jr., station commander of Lagao PNP.

“I am very alarmed of the escalating crime rates in the city especially of the recent shooting incidents,” Rivera told the two station commanders separately.

In February 2014, the GSCPO posted a total crime index of 355. Out of this figure, 103 cases are labeled under crime against person and 252 are crime against property. 

Mayor Rivera wants to lower the said figure dramatically by strengthening the police force.

“I want immediate and effective solutions for these cases,” the mayor said.

Mayor Rivera suggested to the police station commanders that they should have a close coordination with the local government in implementing public safety measures in the city.

Rivera suggested that every police station should render a weekly or monthly report regarding the crime trends in their designated areas so that he can consolidate these data and formulate a comprehensive approach to address the issue.

He emphasized to Yago and Rotia that he wants General Santos to be a safe and healthy city for people to rear their families and for businesses to takes place, and their role as station commanders is very crucial.

Rivera also assured the station commanders and their subordinates that the local government will help the local police through additional food and gasoline allowances.

Mayor Rivera will also push for additional patrol cars to augment police visibility in their areas.

He also noted that the buildings and offices used as local police stations are dilapidated and not suitable for office use. Rivera promised Inspector Rotia that he will find resources to help in the refurbishing of the Station 3 Lagao.

“While giving the responsibility of keeping the safety of the public to the police force, we should not also forget that they also have needs that the government should address. Kailangan din ng mga police natin ng suporta lalo na at kakaunti lang sila,” Mayor Rivera said.

In General Santos, the estimated ratio of police to civilians is 1 is to 100.

“In keeping the city safe, it should be a collective effort of everyone. We should not give the burden alone to the police or any public safety units” Rivera added. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)