PNP-Calabarzon strengthens anti-terrorism awareness campaign

The Calabarzon-Regional Police Office 4A has stepped up its anti-terrorism awareness campaign with the theme “Enhanced Managing Police Operation (MPO) and Knowing the Enemy (KTE).”

The two-day seminar on Community Anti-Terrorism Awareness (CATA) were attended by at least 162 participants from the Command Group, regional staff, chiefs of police and members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Provincial Force Maneuver Company, held at the multi-purpose center in Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba City, Laguna.

Chief Supt. Mao Aplasca, regional director for Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, said the seminar aims is to enhance knowledge and and increase awareness of the police personnel and the chiefs of police concerning terrorism.

A team from the national headquarters has been created to monitor and supervise the police personnel especially chiefs of police to re-echo to the barangays and the public through a symposium or “pulong-pulong.”

Terrorism is a global issue and it will not end anytime soon so the PNP launched sustainable programs such as CATA, Aplasca said.

“I am appealing to all of you to start implementing this program to awaken again the patriotism and vigilance of our countrymen. We need them on our side to sustain safety and security in our communities. We want that time will come when criminals will never even think to commit crimes here in our region. Instead, they could change and enjoy the promise of economic prosperity. With CATA, this will further prepare us to implement CMP,” Aplasca said, adding that the seminar was part of the concepts of the Community Mobilization Project (CMP).

It was also stressed the reality that police force could not watch every corner of our community 24/7 so we need to raise the level of awareness of our fellow countrymen teaching them on how to spot early signs of terroristic activities, what to do, what not to do and who to call.

Supt. Chitadel Gaoiran, spokesperson for Calabarzon said “Community antiterrorism awareness; Terrorism and violent extremism; Understanding Islamic faith and Muslim Filipino-history; Guidelines for police officers on the conduct of CATA, and Internal security, police operations matters and other related security measures such as criminal threats were among the topics discussed during the seminar.

Police Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis D Licup, Deputy Director for Operations inculcate among the participants that the fight against terrorism could not be fought alone and that the community has a big role in this fight and the challenge is on how we could engage them in this endeavour.

“Naway lahat ng napulot ninyo na konsepto at kaalaman sa seminar na ito ay pakatandaan at makatulong pa lalo na mapaganda ang ating serbisyo sa bayan” Licup said.