Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered all police commanders to intensify police presence on the roads and communities as he stressed that police visibility is an effective crime deterrent.

The order comes with a specific instruction to make sure that 85 percent of all police personnel are deployed to field duties—a move that will significantly reduce the number of officers assigned to office work. 

“This increased deployment of PNP personnel for patrolling is crucial in safeguarding community well-being. Our goal is to protect and serve the public with integrity and dedication. We must work hand in hand with our communities to create an environment where everyone feels safe and secure,” said Marbil.  

In a directive issued to police commanders, Marbil said intensified police presence includes foot patrols, Oplan Galugad, motorcycle patrols, and Oplan Sita.

Under foot patrols, policemen will conduct regular foot patrols in urban centers, residential areas, and other high-traffic locations to maintain a visible presence and engage directly with community members.

Oplan Galugad, on the other hand, will focus on thorough searches and inspections in designated areas, particularly those known for high crime rates, to disrupt and dismantle criminal activities.

Motorcycle patrol, meanwhile, is the deployment of rapid-response motorcycle units to  key areas to ensure swift mobility and the ability to quickly respond to incidents and emergencies while Oplan Sita involves systematic checkpoints and routine stops to check for legal compliance and prevent the movement of contraband and illegal items.

"We are committed to making our communities safer by ensuring a strong police presence in public spaces. This initiative is designed to not only prevent crime but also to build trust and rapport with the communities we serve,” Marbil said.