TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Kalinga Provincial Police Office (KPPO) recently organized the Oplan Kalinga Task Force for the joint operations of the Philippine National Police, Army and national support units against criminality in the province.
KPPO OIC Senior Superintendent Victor Wanchakan said “the Oplan sets the guidelines and procedures relative to the efficient and effective intensified anti-criminality campaign, and other operations in response to the increasing crimes perpetrated by lawless elements.”
There is a need for a joint force to augment the police forces doing regular operations in the province especially in Tabuk City, he said.
To make this effective, the joint forces must work as a team through close coordination, sharing information as well as resources to achieve the Oplan’s goal of addressing criminal activities.
The task force would be increasing police visibility in crime prone areas. Police boxes in crime-prone and busy streets in Bulanao and Dagupan of Tabuk City were recently installed.
The composite force will conduct regular foot/mobile patrol and checkpoint operations.
Major Zeigfred Tayaban of the 503rd Infantry Brigade suggested the formulation of an operational design based on the crime data of the PNP to look into how the task force would scientifically deal with particular concerns.
A quick action team, he said should also be established to ensure immediate responses to emergencies and crime reports.
The creation of the task force is part of the Anti-Criminality Action Plan of the PNP. (Geraldine Dumallig)