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Writer's pictureCDT 1C Loy-od Ulysses

CAP DAY 11: "CRIME PREVENTION"

Updated: Feb 14, 2023


IN PHOTOS: Members of the CMFC and Cadets of the PNPA conducted "Oplan Bakal Sita" on various Bar in the Baguio City.


“The chief problem in any community cursed with crime is not the punishment of the criminals, but the preventing the young from being trained to crime.”—W.E.B. Du Boris[1]


Crime is defined by society as an offense committed by an individual who is then expected to be punished by the law. Crime prevention strategies seek to assess the potential impact of crime on an individual and society as a whole; thus, the importance of effective prevention methods in providing a safe and secure environment for society to improve in. The significance of evaluating crime prevention methods contributes to the reduction of reoccurring criminal offenses and the reduction of criminal consequences.Crimes result from negative moral values, and thus there is a need to promote positive youth development and wellbeing.


Like death, crime is a constant present. The nation is facing a very significant challenge with the rising crime rate. A police officer's only responsibility is to defend the public. While they execute the law and cannot foresee when or where a crime will occur, police do their part to lessen crime. The goal of crime prevention is to lower crime in a particular area. Because criminals will always find a method to commit crimes, even when there are police around, civilians shouldn't completely rely on the police to keep crime at bay.


In accordance with local law and as part of the BCPO crime prevention program, PNPA Cadets and members of the City Mobile Force Company and 3rd Maneuver Platoon of the Baguio City Police Office carried out Oplan Bakal Sita and the Implementation of Curfew for Minors within the central business district.

OPLAN BAKAL SITA is one of the best BCPO-CMFC practices. The objective of these operations is to conduct random searches for illegal firearms and other lethal weapons that may be possessed or controlled.


"Oplan Bakal Sita" is a Tagalog term that translates to "Operation Steel Seizure." It is is an important police operation which aimed at confiscating illegally possessed firearms ammunition, and other weapons that are being used for criminal activities. The objective of "Oplan Bakal Sita" is to reduce the number of firearms that are being used to commit crimes, and to make communities safer by removing these weapons from the hands of criminals. The operation involves the coordinated efforts of multiple police units and is typically carried out in a targeted and strategic manner to ensure its effectiveness. The police may also conduct raids on homes, businesses, and other locations where they believe illegal firearms may be stored.


The police also ask, rather than force, the guests to open their bags so that the authorities can check for the presence of a firearm or other lethal weapon. The customer may or may not open his or her bag. Again, the customer is not compelled to do anything. Anyone who refuses to comply with the request, on the other hand, may give the impression that contraband is being hidden.


In Baguio City, crime prevention is a collaborative effort involving local authorities, community organizations, and residents. Here are some of the crime-prevention measures implemented in Baguio City:


1. Community policing: The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) encourages residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their communities. BCPO officers also conduct regular patrols and community outreach programs to foster trust and goodwill in the community.


2. Surveillance cameras: To deter criminal activity and aid in investigations, the BCPO has installed surveillance cameras in high-crime areas. Trained personnel monitor the cameras 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


3. Neighborhood watch programs: Neighborhood watch programs have been established in various communities throughout Baguio City, where residents collaborate to prevent crime. These programs enable residents to share information and collaborate with local authorities to keep their communities safe.


4. Public education campaigns: The BCPO conducts public education campaigns on a regular basis to raise awareness about crime prevention. Personal safety, home security, and cybercrime are among the topics covered.


5. Youth programs: The BCPO and community organizations also provide youth programs in order to engage young people and steer them away from criminal activities. These programs allow young people to gain skills, form positive relationships, and participate in community service projects.


Overall, the crime prevention strategies used in Baguio City are aimed at reducing the incidence of crime and improving public safety. By working closely with the community, implementing effective surveillance systems, and using data analysis to target their efforts, the police are able to make a positive impact on crime rates in the city.

[1] A quote from The Souls of Black Folk. (n.d.). In Quote by W E B Du Bois: “But the chief problem in any community cursed w. . .” https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/8276011-but-the-chief-problem-in-any-community-cursed-with-crime



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