THE Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of Talomo Police Station (PS3) under Davao City Police Office (DCPO) was named as the Best WCPD Unit in the region.
The award was given Thursday, August 22, during the 118th Police Service Anniversary Celebration at the Police Regional Office 11, Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido, Davao City and was received by Police Captain Rosario Aguilar, chief of PS3-WCPD.
Police Major Ronald Lao took pride on the award which he said is based on the unit’s investigative performance, best practices such as the Adopt- and Save-A-Child, the first-ever diversion program initiated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao Region that offers free education for children in conflict with the law (CICL) and less-privileged kids.
The award also recognized the unit’s high solution efficiency rate of cases of violence against women and children, CICL, comprehensive data on abused minors, disposition remarks, action taken, and separate data on violations against Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law, remarks made on conviction, accomplishment on anti-trafficking in persons, recognition from schools, local government unit (LGU), and non-government organization (NGO).
“The WCPD section takes extra care in handling the cases of minors involved in crimes, ensuring that their rights are fully protected. Our policewomen manning the desk are all knowledgeable and well-trained in their field,” Lao said.
Lao also cited their cooperation with the local social welfare office in promoting laws on violence against women and children and children in conflict with the law as a factor for receiving the award. Besides helping victims file cases against their abusers, personnel from the unit also conduct lectures on preventing abuse among women in barangays.
Among the significant accomplishments their units have achieved was the arrest of the suspects Afredo Plimaco Placa, 44, single, driver and a resident of Arayat Market, Cubao, Quezon City; Enriquita Olut Mendoza (owner of Crystal Bar); and Janeth Cadavos Suazo (cashier), both from Santiago City, Isabela on February 14 of this year. They were arrested after a parent of a minor reported to the station that her daughter was recruited and was brought in Isabela to work as a bar entertainer instead of a restaurant server.
Based on their data, a total of nine individuals were rescued from the operation, including one minor, all from Davao City.
Lao cited the quick response of his personnel to complaints and reports received through their hotlines and even on their social media accounts that contributed to the growing trust of the community in his unit. (PR)