COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 16, 2012) – From the farthest South
in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Regional Highway Patrol Unit is serving with true dedication and hard work the mainland provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao Del Sur, including the cities of Cotabato and Marawi to provide the public with utmost safety and security as “Guardians of the Highway”.
It has been implementing with no let-up the standing orders of the higher headquarters to resolve the pressing concerns on criminalities perpetrated by car thieves and other bad elements of the society lurking the streets and all these have been achieve despite the lack of personnel. Highway robberies have been reduced drastically, if not eradicated, in its area of responsibility.
The Office has focussed on the conduct of regular “Market Denial” strategy in order to prevent the trade and proliferation of stolen motor vehicles in the region. Its rigorous campaign enabled the Unit to have 33 visitations on establishments and entities engaged in the sale or dealership of second-hand motor vehicles and parts and accessories.
Most of the criminalities in the region are perpetrated by motorcycle-riding criminals and this prompted the Unit to strictly implement the “No Plate, No Helmet – No Travel” policy, which have been largely supported by the public.
All motorcycle-riding individuals are properly checked, including their pertinent documents such as motor vehicle registration papers, driver’s license among others to ensure legality and to be sure that they are not involved in illegal or nefarious activities. And as result of this intensified campaign, the Unit is able to apprehend 264 violators. Thus, the proud Unit has spent over 38,720 man hours patrolling the region.
“Community Police Relations” is the most effective tool in attaining the goal of this Unit – basically, the support and trust of the community to the Regional Highway Patrol Unit is a great factor and the Unit is able to establish the “Motorists Assistance Center” across the ARMM.
It is called “SAMBAYAN,” which accounts for 26 crime prevention dialogues and 21road safety seminars participated by 1,324 participants.
In an effort to support the government’s peace process in Mindanao, particularly in the ARMM, the Unit has been very supportive of the ongoing peace talks between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and all its efforts geared towards the attainment of peace, which is the clamour of every citizens in ARMM.
With the dawning of the new ARMM leadership under Officer-in-Charge and Acting Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman and the peace and development efforts of President Benigno Aquino and the untiring guidance and Solomonic wisdom of Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina, Director of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, the Unit will surely attain its goals.
Indeed, it is a challenge that needs to be realized. It may be difficult, but the Officers and Men of this Unit are serious in achieving that Mission. True to its moniker, “RHUP-ARMM” is truly the “Guardians of the Highway.”
(Mark Navales)
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