Angeles police launch anti-crime drive through fun run

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/10/07/angeles-police-launch-anti-crime-drive-through-fun-run-434478
• Thursday, October 8, 2015

(AC-CIO with reports from Rachelle Anne Intal and Angel Andrea Pamintuan)

ANGELES CITY -- Tourism and police officials spearheaded here recently the 5th "Pulayan-Tagalan Keng Dalan" (Takbuhan-Habulan sa Daan) highlighted by the launch of a mass-based anti-crime drive aimed to bring down criminality and turn this bustling metropolis into a tourist-friendly city.

The run-for-a-cause activity, which is part of this city’s Fiestang Kuliat 2015 celebration, was jointly organized by the regional offices of the Department of Tourism and the Philippine National Police drew an estimated 1,200 participants who took part in the 3k, 5k, and 10k runs which started at SM City Clark.

Police Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, director of Angeles City Police Office, stressed that this year's event -the third time in which the PNP was a main organizer - was doubly significant with the launch of "Krimen itext Mo, Aksyonan Ko."

Ugale explained that the project, which is being conducted in partnership with local radio station GV AM/FM, involves the use of SMS (short messaging service) or text messages in reporting crime incidents.

He said crimes that may be reported through text are those witnessed on-the-spot, those involving illegal drugs, crooked or erring policemen, and any form of abuse and exploitation.

Text messages may be sent to Globe, Sun Cellular or Smart through (0905) 452 7802, (0942) 025 4291 and (0908) 377 0144, respectively.

The text messages will be validated and once proven accurate, the source of the crime report, who need not identify himself, will receive a reward.

According to City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, this is another staunch manifestation of the city’s commitment in actively reducing crime in the city. Pamintuan was recently lauded by the regional PNP for his efforts in Angeles, which experienced a 46 percent decrease in crime rate this 2015.

DOT Assistant Regional Director Caroline Uy, who represented DOT Regional Director Ronaldo Tiotuico, said the DOT is fully supportive of the PNP initiative which will further enhance camaraderie and cooperation between them. She said that the project was launched to maintain peace and order, and enhance the city's image as a tourist-friendly locality, which is home to Clark Freeport.