The Makati City government will provide new motorcycles and body cameras to the local police to boost its crime-fighting capability, Mayor Abigail Binay announced on Friday.
On Wednesday, Binay turned over 22 brand new patrol vehicles for the City Police Department at the Circuit Makati grounds.
These include 18 units of Mitsubishi Strada and four units of Toyota Avanza.
“We will give our full support to the city police force; you will be duly rewarded for the services you render to our city,” she said.
Binay said the new patrol vehicles will help increase police visibility, which is an effective deterrent to crime.
She noted the police could also respond faster to emergencies, including crimes in progress, as a result of their enhanced mobility.
The mayor also welcomed some 100 new police personnel who were recently added to the existing 736-strong city police force.
She acknowledged the need for additional motorcycles to facilitate patrol operations in narrow streets and alleys, and to speed up response to crimes in progress especially during rush hour traffic.
Binay also pointed out that body cameras worn by the police would be in the best interest of both the law enforcers and the civilians since recorded incidents can serve as evidence in the fair resolution of complaints or disputes arising from apprehensions.
“The use of body cameras will protect the police when an offender becomes abusive. At the same time, it will provide protection to residents against an abusive police officer,” said Binay.
“This will entail a level of transparency and good governance that will benefit the entire community,” the mayor said, adding that wearing a body camera will help the police to be better law enforcers who will be embraced by the community.
Binay also reminded the police to use the new government vehicles “correctly, properly and efficiently” and refrain from doing things that put the reputation of the police in a bad light.
She asked them to avoid sleeping inside their patrol cars as they could easily be caught on camera and become trending on social media.
At the turnover, the mayor also praised the new acting city police chief, Sr. Supt. Rogelio Simon, for the remarkable achievements of the local police since he came on board barely a month ago.
She exhorted him to sustain the day-and-night operations conducted against all forms of public disturbance and illegal activities in the barangays as well as in the Central Business District.
“Whether it be a minor offense, like drinking in public, nude and naked walking down the streets… I think it’s a first step towards instilling discipline among those who are from Makati,” said Binay.
She also reiterated the city’s firm commitment to promote drug-free communities, through sustaining the anti-drug campaign, and the strict implementation of curfew for minors, among other measures.
In response, Simon lauded the city government of Makati led by Binay for its strong support for the police.
He said the new equipment would enhance their efficiency and improve the delivery of services to the public.
Since the new police chief took his post last May 10, his office has already conducted 20 anti-illegal drugs operations, which led to the arrest of 51 drug suspects and the confiscation of dangerous drugs appraised by the Dangerous Drugs Board to be worth around P8,000.
Simon also reported the conduct of 17 Anti-Illegal Gambling operations which resulted in the arrest of 42 offenders and filing of 17 criminal cases against adult suspects.