MANILA, Philippines—Executive Secretary and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force chief Paquito Ochoa Jr. has joined Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome and various police officials in a command conference Wednesday at Camp Crame.
Bartolome said they invited Ochoa to ask for “guidance and support” from the official in their campaign against crime.
He maintained that although Ochoa had been concerned with the reported rise in crimes, they were able to explain to the official that overall, crime has not actually increased and only appeared so as back-to-back high profile crimes caught attention of the public.
Ochoa has been quoted as saying that the PNP must focus on highlighted crime incidents, especially those perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects. He said that the official has directed them to heighten police visibility.
Bartolome revealed that Ochoa has expressed support to the PNP during the command conference and told them that he would “support all (their) efforts… assist (them) in their needs.”
He maintained that the executive secretary was not dissatisfied with the efforts of the police force in curbing crime but told them to work on unsolved crimes and prevent the occurrence of crimes in the future.
In June this year, President Benigno Aquino III issued Executive Order 46, delegating to Ochoa the task of heading the PAOCTF.
Mr. Aquino said he would continue to oversee the anti-crime drive but it will be Ochoa who would be more directly involved.