PAGADIAN CITY – “Among the five (5) pillars of the criminal justice system in our
country, the participation of the community plays a very vital role in crime
prevention,” Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 9
Assistant Regional Director Pedro Cuevas said.

Cuevas said, “We have been
observing this annual event for the past 18 years now with the aim or raising
awareness among the people, local government units, academe, religious sector and
the business communities to help government in its effort on crime prevention.”
“We all know that the
Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies cannot do
this alone,” Cuevas added.

“It is not only the
concern of the PNP, DILG or authorities, but it is everybody’s concern and
responsibility” Abad was quoted as saying.
This year’s 18th
NCPM bears the theme “Sa Crime Prevention May Magagawa Ako.” (JPA/CAL/PIA9)