Ever resolute in preventing and solving crimes in the Bicol Region, Police Brigadier General Andre Perez Dizon, as the 42nd Regional Director of Police Regional Office 5, has launched the Kasurog Cops Bike on January 16, 2024 and Motorcycle Patrol initiative on February 5, 2024. This program has become the cornerstone of security measures implemented by the Kasurog Cops, aimed at preemptively addressing and swiftly responding to security concerns and threats in the region.
This initiative aligns with the advocacy of the Chief of the Philippine National Police, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, encapsulated in the slogan, “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!” The PRO5 Motorcycle and Bike Patrols are a testament to the unit’s robust support for the new administration’s vision of a safer Philippines.
The motorcycle and bike patrols have enhanced police visibility, particularly during rush hours, with Police Brigadier General Dizon taking a hands-on approach by personally leading his men to ensure the effective execution of the program.
Utilizing restored motorcycles, the patrol teams traverse the municipalities of Daraga and Legazpi, fostering a deeper connection with the community and improving public perception by maintaining a visible and accessible police presence. The restored motorcycles, symbolic of the unit’s resourcefulness and commitment, enable the team to cover more ground efficiently, ensuring that help is always within reach.
This proactive measure is not limited to Daraga and Legazpi but is being replicated across various parts of the Bicol province to maximize its effectiveness. The increased police presence has already yielded positive outcomes, with community members expressing greater confidence in their safety and security.
Notably, this effort resulted in a decrease in crimes from December 11, 2023 to July 15, 2024. During this six-month plus period, PNP Bicol recorded 11,682 crimes, which is lower than the 11,813 documented the previous year. Of the crimes reported this year, 10,652 were cleared, with 9,511 solved.
Significantly, this also led to major successes in the unit’s anti-criminality campaigns. Under the crackdown on illegal drugs, Php89,772,629.96 worth of narcotics were confiscated from 817 operations. The seized drugs included 17,738.4610 grams of marijuana; 12,849.4623 grams of shabu; and 41.0700 grams of cocaine. A total of 1,240 drug violators were arrested.
In the campaign against loose firearms, relentless efforts resulted in the seizure, surrender, and safekeeping of 1,285 assorted firearms. Additionally, 164 individuals were arrested, and 93 cases were filed in court.
The fight against criminal gang members intensified with 37 operations, resulting to 18 arrests and three fatalities. Efforts to encourage gang members to surrender have, so far, been successful, with 22 individuals yielding to authorities.
Significant progress was also made in apprehending Wanted Persons, with 2,888 arrests. Among these were four individuals listed at the national level; 132 at the regional level; 61 at the provincial level; 62 at the city level; 404 at the municipal and station levels; and 2,225 other Wanted Persons.
On insurgency, the unit doubled its efforts to counter threats posed by armed groups. Internal operations resulted to the arrest of 84 CTG Members and the deaths of 12. Through the intensified Retooled Community Support Program, 94 individuals were encouraged to return to the government and start anew. Additionally, 115 firearms were recovered, captured, and confiscated.
In addition, regular community engagement activities were enhanced, enabling police officers to interact with residents, gather valuable feedbacks, and address pressing local concerns. This approach helps build trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve.
Police Brigadier General Dizon’s leadership and dedication to this initiative have not only bolstered the morale of the long blue line of the Kasurog cops , had also reinforced the message that the police are allies in the quest for a safer and more secure Bicol Region.
