Info drive launched in Abra to lessen crime

By Maritess B. Beñas

BANGUED – Officials and constituents are now starting ways and means to lessen crime in this province which had been known for violence like killings particularly during elections.   

           

Gov. Eustaquio P. Bersamin led the launching of the United for Abra information drive in the province a few days ago with the theme, “Crime-free Abra”.
           

The event started with a motorcade around the Bangued town proper with the vehicles bearing streamers printed with the hotline numbers of the Abra Provincial Police Office and Bangued Municipal Police Station.

           

This is for information of the public on what numbers to contact in case of emergency or in case they witness a crime committed in their communities or have information leading to the solution of a crime.
           

A short program followed at the town plaza with the symbolic candle lighting and release of balloons led by Bersamin, Cordillera Police regional director, Chief Supt. Benjamin B. Magalong; Col. Eliseo C. Posadas, Brigade Commander of the Philippine Army; Bangued Mayor Ryan Luna, Police Senior Supt. Alexander Rafael, Abra provincial police director; Mayor Esther Bernos who represented Rep. Ma. Jocelyn Bernos, and all heads of government agencies in the province.
           

The event was conceptualized because of the killings in Abra especially in Bangued.

           

It aimed to create awareness among people of their role in crime solution by texting or calling the police  information on cases or incidents.
           

In his message, Bersamin expressed appreciation to lawyer Glo Acena-Florendo and Willy Estrada who conceptualized the initiative towards a peaceful Abra, and who also sponsored the printing of streamers used during the motorcade.
           

The governor reiterated his usual appeal to the people of Abra to cooperate with law enforcers in crime solution and to stop blaming the police, prosecutors and all who are tasked to carry out the dispensation of justice because “we, the community people are part of the pillars of the criminal justice system.”
           

Magalong also thanked the people for their support in peacekeeping efforts of the police urging his men to sustain efforts to regain trust and confidence of the people in the police that have been lost for a long time.
           

Bernos also appealed for cooperation among all Abrenios to continue to work for peace in Abra.
           

The streamers that bear the hotline numbers of the local police are now hung at strategic places for the  public to have a ready access so that they can text or call the police on information that would lead to solution of cases.