CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) – To sustain peace and order and minimize crime, there is a need to strengthen community engagement particularly in the barangays or villages, along with stakeholders and other partners in Eastern Visayas.

Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, director of Police Regional Office 8, said this during his visit for the turnover of command at the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office.

Outgoing Provincial Director Col. Alfredo Tadefa handed over the command to Col. Sonne Omengan in a ceremony held Tuesday, January 2.

In an interview, Pawid cited statistics on the increasing crime incidents in the province compared with previous years.

Based on the trend on total crime incidents as reported, it recorded 994 in year 2020; 1,046 in 2021; 1,048 in 2022; and 1,059 in 2023 for the period January to September.

With such data, there is really a need to intensify partnership down to the barangay level, in addition to a heightened police patrol, to maintain peace, order, and security, Pawid pointed out.

He ordered his men to continue the good works and performance in 2023 and avoid involvement in illegal activities.

As noted, PNP Northern Samar performed well in the successful enforcement and operations conducted against illegal activities, number of persons arrested and apprehensions in violation to local ordinances, among others.

Beatrice Amande, barangay chairperson of barangay Macagtas and Liga ng mga Barangay Federation president, affirmed that the presence or visibility of policemen in the community not only lessens but also prevents the commission of crimes, particularly theft, burglary, and robbery, among others.

“Our partnership with PNP specifically in the campaign against illegal drugs, illegal gambling and other illegal activities have been proven effective with the number of persons arrested, surrendered drugs seized and cash or articles confiscated,” Amande said.  (MMP/AND/PIA-Northern Samar)