IN SEPTEMBER, all roads lead to Naga City for the annual celebration of the unifying icon of the Bicol Region, the Our Lady of Penafrancia, our Ina. The festivities coincide with the celebration of the National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 461, dated 31 August 1994 declaring the first week of September of every year as National Crime Prevention Week and enjoining all agencies and instrumentalities of government in evolving and implementing projects and activities that focus on prevention as an approach in combating crime and criminality. A Technical Working Committee has been tasked to program the conduct of pertinent activities.
This year’s theme and slogan is “KILOS S AMBAYANAN KRIMEN AY HADLANGAN !”.
Its gist is the active participation of each and everyone in the community in the prevention of criminality. One author said: “Prevention is not only better than cure, it is the cure.”
Also in September, we at the National Police Commission will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary packed with vibrant activities which include the setting up of Regional Booths featuring the products endemic in each region along the Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue just in front of the Central Office of the National Police Commission in Makati City. The famous “ Laing “ or “ Pinangat of Bicol “ and sweet pilinuts will be the main feature in the booth of Region 5. The activities will be highlighted by the selection of Mutya ng Napolcom on 8 September 2006 from among the beautiful lasses, relatives of Napolcom employees either by consanguinity or affinity; representing each regional office.
While each of us will be celebrating memorable events, allow me to share with you this simple tips especially those who have cellphones, of any brand, be it expensive or cheap, against Cellphone Snatching which is prevalent nowadays. In a nutshell: Buy cellphones only from authorized dealers; record your serial numbers immediately after purchase, serial numbers are available in the retail pack of brand new units. Serial numbers can be retrieved by pressing *#06#, for Nokia units, cellphones companies can block calls and from cellphone units if the serial numbers are reported to them. As much as possible, bring your cellphone with you only you urgently need it during the day, otherwise, it is best that you leave it at home.
Always place your cellphone in your pocket or bag where it is not visible. Set your cellphone in “ silent “ mode when you are in public places and inside public vehicles. If there is an urgent need for you to use your cellphone while outside, go to a place where you are more secure-inside stores, near security guards, near police stations, inside offices, or even in comfort/rest room cubicles.
Always walk in well-lighted places. When walking alone, be on guard for persons following you. Walk toward areas where there are people in case you might need help. Keep your bag with your cellphone inside close to your body. When in public vehicles, be alert for snatchers; be suspicious of passengers who come in threes or fours and who position themselves beside / behind the driver, near the stribo and among the passengers. You must report to the police any incident of cellphone snatching. Always cooperate with the police and barangay authorities and if you wish to own a second hand cellphone, ask for the complete kit and receipt. Please remember not to lend your cellphone to stranger who may approach you to make emergency calls. Refrain from displaying unnecessarily your cellphone in public. When you are held – up, do not resist (unless of course you are a mix-martial arts expert), follow their instructions but remain calm enough to remember their description and the directions / routes they took in their escape. When inside establishments, like offices or restaurants, do not leave your cellphone lying on the table unattended. You will never know when strangers or thieves, posing as visitors, may come and take your cellphone when you are least aware.
You may visit our website at www. napolcom.gov.ph.
