Benguet Police launch enhanced anti-crime program in Oplan BALSHEW
Benguet Provincial Police Director, Col. Lambert A. Suerte led the launching of Oplan BALSHEW, an initiative that aims to enhance police response and operations and deliver a swift and effective strategy to pre-empt, prevent, and suppress crimes in the province. – Benguet PPO photo
Text by: Lita Jane B. Cadalig, photo courtesy of BPPO
The Benguet Provincial Police Office (PPO) launched yet another anti-crime initiative designed to enhance public safety in its area of jurisdiction through efficient law enforcement strategies and stakeholder cooperation.
Benguet Gov. Melchor D. Diclas assured the provincial government’s support to the local police’s enhanced anti-crime program. – Benguet PPO photo
Benguet PPO Director, Col. Lambert A. Suerte, together with Gov. Melchor D. Diclas led the launching of Oplan BALSHEW; which stands for Bustling Action, Lawful, Systematic, Highly motivated, and well-Equipped Law enforcement.
The Benguet PPO consistently engages stakeholders in its programs as part of the effort to enhance multi-sectoral collaboration and strengthen public cooperation to police initiatives. – Benguet PPO photo
Oplan BALSHEW aims to enhance police response and operations and deliver a swift and effective strategy to pre-empt, prevent, and suppress crimes. Balshew is an Ibaloy for “net”.
Benguet PPO Information Officer, Maj. Edwin Sergio explains to BCBC president Dionisio Dennis the salient features of Oplan BALSHEW, an anti-crime initiative that was recently launched in Benguet. Lita Jane Cadalig photo
Suerte said the implementation of Oplan BALSHEW is part of Benguet PPO’s efforts to maintain the province’s peaceful and orderly situation through the immediate apprehension of suspects and speedy resolution of crimes.
As the program is still in its early stage, he asked the police force and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments until the best formula of implementation is achieved.
“This is a work in progress but we have to make the most of it through our partnership with our stakeholders to maintain peace in the province,” Suerte said.
Diclas, who was the guest of honor during the program launch on November 17, lauded the provincial police office for the initiative and assured the provincial government’s support to the program.
Benguet PPO Information Officer, Maj. Edwin Sergio said Oplan BALSHEW mandates the prompt mobilization of all units under the provincial command whenever a crime is reported.
“When a crime occurs, the unit having jurisdiction over the place of incident will inform the provincial headquarters which will in turn alert the adjacent areas so that if, for example, suspects are on the run, their possible exit points will be secured and blocked,” he said.
Sergio said the initial implementation of the program before its formal launch already saw desirable results such as the apprehension of marijuana plants in Bakun and the recovery of a car napped vehicle in a nearby province.
Aside from prompt response, Sergio said Oplan BALSHEW also espouses proactive anti-crime initiatives through strengthened police collaboration with stakeholders such as the local government units and the communities.
“The ultimate goal of Oplan BALSHEW is to sustain the prevailing peaceful and orderly situation in the province,” he said.
The Oplan Balshew launch was attended by Col. Ledon D. Monte, Police Regional Office-Cordillera Deputy Regional Director for Operations; National Police Commission-Benguet Officer, Atty. Zane Mark D. Bongayon; and Provincial Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development members Mayao B. Santiago, Maura G. Evangelista, Rafael C. Valencia, and Dionisio B. Dennis, Jr.
