” Let us make everyday crime prevention day” said Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Region IX Paisal O. Abutazil during the opening program of the weeklong celebration of the 20th National Crime Prevention Week at Provincial Complex, Capitol Compound, Pagadian City on September 1, 2014.
Part of the weeklong series of activities was a motorcade attended by the members of the technical working group such as the NAPOLCOM, DILG, PNP, BJMP, BFP, DepEd and some from the academe (TESDA, Pagadian Capitol College, Yllana Bay College, and Zamboanga Sur Maritime Institute of Technology).
During the welcome remarks, DILG Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil emphasized that in order to achieve a peaceful and orderly community there should be a strong complement of efforts of all sectors of society and active community participation.
“With support, cooperation and vigilance, our goal of achieving a worry-free and safe community is within reach” he said.
He added that the theme “Krimen ay labanan, karapatan ay igalang tungo sa mapayapang pamayanan” is a reminder that peace and order and public safety is everybody’s concern. We cannot afford to compromise peace and security. More so, we cannot afford to be complacent and lax in our efforts in the aspect of peace and order.
Meanwhile, he also saluted and appreciated the work and efforts of the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for putting their lives on the line to relentlessly serve the community and protect the lives and sovereignty of the community, specifically in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
To the civilians, he said, “it is hoped that on the part of the civilians, this celebration will not only be observed from today (September 1-7) as mandated by law, but rather, araw-araw at buong taon po nating pahalagahan ang pagsupil sa iba’t ibang krimen sa ating mga komunidad. Let us make everyday crime prevention day.”RD Abutazil said in closing.
Also gracing the affair was the presence of Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Governor Antonio H. Cerilles who delivered his keynote speech giving a throwback of the historical peace development of the Republic of the Philippines to other neighboring countries.
As the father of the province of Zamboanga del Sur, he also encouraged his constituent to help in nation building, to unite and strengthen the democracy to ensure hope of the country.
The opening program was culminated by a simultaneous whistle blowing, ” Pito Laban sa Krimen” headed by ZSPPO Police Senior Superintendent Sofronio P. Elcaldre and BFP Fire Senior Superintendent Carlito B. Oceña.
Lined –up activities for the week include tri-media forum, symposium on Crime Prevention and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control in Holy Child Academy, Pagadian City and Mabuhay National High School, and seminar on People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) and LCEs as NAPOLCOM deputies in Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Celebration of the National Crime Prevention Week every first week of September is pursuant to Proclamation No. 461,s.1994 signed by Pres. Fidel V. Ramos on August 31,1994 mandating the DILG as the lead agency in drawing up plans, programs and activities with other inter-agencies.