SANTA CRUZ, Laguna (PIA) — Aiming to make policing more community-centered and people-oriented, Laguna Governor Sol Aragones is pushing for a renewed strategy in maintaining peace and order in the province through citizen journalism and participatory policing.
Aragones issued the directive during the New Year’s Call of the Laguna Police Provincial Office on January 16, attended by Acting Provincial Director Police Colonel Jonar Yupio and the chiefs of police of the province’s cities and municipalities.
A former veteran news broadcaster, Aragones said the initiative aims to strengthen information dissemination on police and emergency operations. Central to the plan is the establishment of a command center where residents can instantly report possible risks, hazards, and suspicious activities to authorities using their smartphones.
“Paigtingin natin ang information dissemination. Dapat ang bawat tao, parang citizen journalism—kung may makita silang krimen o danger sa isang lugar, gamit ang kanilang mga cellphone ay agad nilang maitetext o matatawagan ang mga pulis. Mangyayari lang ito kung malinaw at kalat sa buong Laguna kung sino ang dapat nilang tawagan,” Aragones said.
To support the initiative, information, education, and communication materials containing police contact details will be displayed in high-convergence areas such as markets, churches, and other public places starting this week.
The governor emphasized that a clear and accessible reporting system can help change public behavior, making emergency reporting a routine practice for residents.
“Sa panahon na may nangyaring krimen, madalas aligaga at litong-lito ang tao—hindi alam kung saan dapat tumawag, kanino hihingi ng tulong, o saan tatakbo. Kung ang mga numerong ito ay araw-araw nilang nakikita, magkakaroon ng retention at alam na nila kung saan sila lalapit,” Aragones explained.
She also reminded police forces to further expand their presence across the province, including in remote communities and sitios, following the recent gruesome killing of an eight-year-old boy in San Pablo City, Laguna.
“Iba kapag may police visibility sa bawat barangay. Kung bawat barangay at bawat bayan ay may presensya ng pulis, ngayon ay susuungin na rin natin ang bawat sitio para masigurong may nagbabantay, dahil isa itong deterrent sa mga krimeng maaaring mangyari,” she said.
Aragones further stressed that police work must extend beyond stations and into the communities.
“Para sa akin, ang totoong laban ng mga pulis ay wala sa police station. Ang totoong laban ay nasa lansangan kung saan nagaganap ang mga krimen,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Laguna PPO reported a further decline in the province’s crime rate, attributed to sustained police operations, including arrests related to illegal drugs, illegal possession of firearms, and intensified campaigns against gambling, smuggling, and illegal logging.
Laguna currently has a police-to-population ratio of one police personnel for every 1,786 residents. With a stronger community-engaged and people-centered approach, the Laguna PPO remains committed to carrying out the governor’s directives and implementing programs that ensure the safety and well-being of Lagunenses. (CH/PIA-Laguna)
