Abalos lauds Metro cops' use of 'Safe App", seeks expansion to other police units
By Chito Chavez
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) lauded the use of "Safe App" by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), saying it is a crucial crimefighting tool amid the advent of digital technology.
The "Safe App" tool was recently launched by the NCRPO, the move is to expedite crime reporting that will eventually lead to immediate response.
The "Safe App" connects barangay officials and individuals to the NCRPO, and was designed for crime reporting. It includes numbers and locations of nearest police stations where people could seek police assistance.
DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the use of the app is an innovative idea by the police.
“Yung importante dito yung teknolohiya. Tandaan mo ha, habang yung dating mga (crimes) 20 years ago, iba yung mga kalaban nung araw e. Diba mga kalaban nung araw, 30 years ago, mga kidnapping etc ngayon, it's (illegal) drugs and they (drug syndicates) also use technology. So dapat ang panlaban mo dyan di ka nahuhuli, technology rin (What is important here is technology. Remember that the crimes before, 20 years ago, our adversaries were different before. Our problems during those times, 30 years ago, were kidnapping etc, now it’s drugs and they also use technology. So we also have to fight them using technology also so that we will not be left behind),’’ Abalos said.
Abalos stated that he will discuss the use of the system with the other PNP regional directors where “what could be done’’ is determine the best practices of the scheme.
“Ang strength natin dito (Our strength here), it's not just technology, it's not just the police or the mayors. But most importantly ang taong bayan (the people). Kasma mo sa fight na ito e (They are with you in this fight). So all of these combined, I'm sure bababa ang mga crime rate na ito (this crime rate will decrease),’’ said Abalos.