Crime prevention is everybody’s concern, says ZamboSur governor

by  Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY –  Crime prevention is an everyday task. It should be done not only during the celebration of the National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) but everyday of our lives. 

Governor Antonio H. Cerilles,  keynote speaker during the 18^th NCPW kick-off  ceremony on Monday urged  everyone to play an active role in increasing awareness on crime. “Crime prevention is not only the work of the police but it’s everybody’s concern.  It is everyone’s responsibility to curb criminal activities,” he said.

Based on statistics, Cerilles said 70% of the crime commited in our country are drug related.  “If we focus on looking at  the drug lord, definitely crime rate will go down,” the chief executive added.

“If a country is peaceful, anybody can travel safely at anytime and anywhere. Our tourism industry will improve and there will be more influx of tourists coming to our country. We can have more investments especially in Mindanao,” Cerilles explained.

Meanwhile, DILG-9 Asst. Regional Director Pedro Cuevas said the activity seeks to increase the basic knowledge of citizens for security and community safety thus empowering them against crime.

He said this year’s theme dubbed “Sa Crime Prevention, May Magagawa Ako” appropriately describes our role in crime fighting.   He expressed confidence that all of us will fight crime.

“May magagawa ako, may magagawa tayo sa pagsugpo ng kriminalidad sa ating lipunan,” Cuevas declared.

He said the observance of NCPW recognizes  not only social order and justice but likewise the protection of our economy, stability of the community and  local government units.

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM-9) has lined up activities for the NCPW which kicked-off with a  motorcade in the city’s main thoroughfare, brief  program, drug symposium in selected high schools and media forum.

Presidential Proclamation No. 461 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos  on August 31, 1994 declares the first week of September every year as “National Crime Prevention Week”. (ALT/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)