Citizens’ anti-crime group urges people to be more vigilant, active

ANTI-CRIME Teresita Ang-See of Citizens’ Action Against Crime

MANILA, Philippines—Due to the increasing number of kidnappings in the Philippines, Citizens’ Action Against Crime (CAAC) advised the people to be more vigilant and more active on the anti-crime drive, according to an interview on Radyo Inquirer 990AM, Tuesday.

“Hindi lang naman responsibility dapat ng police…but it (crime prevention) is also the responsibility of the community (It is not only the responsibility of the police…but it is also the responsibility of the community),” CAAC spokesperson Teresita Ang-See said.

See said that it is not just police business considering the country is undermanned in terms of police population.

See cited some incidents that show that the public is not that involved in helping the police such as the kidnappings in Binondo and Antipolo where people were not able to give a lead to the police.

“We could understand that they don’t want to report the incident to the police but afterwards they should at least share the information. If they don’t want to do it with the police then they can do it to MRPO (Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order),” the spokesperson said.

She added these incidents have been happening for so many years now. Parents should not tire of giving reminders to their children to be careful in talking to strangers, she added.

“’Yung mga anak ninyo magmamall, huwag na ninyong ipagdala ang kanilang mga PSP, at kanilang mga ipad, ipod at lahat ng mga music devices nila (You’re children going to mall, don’t let them bring their PSP, iPad, iPod and all of their music devices),” See said.

Through this, according to her, the kids would not get attention and would avoid being the target of the kidnappers.

As her last statement, See said the citizens are called to help in the anti-crime campaign so that it is not only in the side of the police which is fighting against crime but it is also a responsibility of everyone to prevent crime.