BACOLOD CITY – Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, said that the five-minute police response time set by the national headquarters is achievable in this highly-urbanized city.

Coronica said that the Bacolod City Police Office is aligned with the directive of Police Gen. Nicolas Torre III, PNP chief, to enhance police response and visibility, especially in urban areas like this city.

“It’s achievable and we are serious about achieving the requirement set by the Chief PNP,” he added.

Coronica said the goal is to achieve a swift and proactive approach to police assistance. He believed that the response time is standard that is attainable.

He said that he has long been emphasizing the importance of swift responses and this directive reinforces that need.

While this may be more applicable in urban centers like this city, Coronica said that the BCPO is seen as a model or “show window” for implementing such policies in the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).

He said they are adjusting their strategies accordingly and one major step is the realignment of their resources.

Coronica said they are making the most of what they have and have lobbied to the city government for additional support, including requests for 13 motorcycles and two Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) vans.

If granted, these resources will significantly improve deployment and response times, he said. Once these are in place, they will strategically position these vehicles throughout the city.

However, he noted that they are mindful of not committing all their resources at once, as criminal elements may try to exploit such deployments. He assured that they will maintain a reserve or counterforce to address other potential scenarios.

This new deployment plan means no more idle patrol cars sitting at the stations unless needed for administrative or reporting duties, according to Coronica. All vehicles and motorcycles must be out on the field.

Coronica said that even during personnel shift changes or reliefs, BCPO personnel will report directly to their assigned areas, and personnel not involved in office tasks will be deployed outside.

He said that they are leveraging technology to adapt and innovate. He said the public should no longer have to look around or wonder where the police are. With the use of 911 or local hotlines – and even social media –assistance is just a call or message away.

Coronica said the BCPO is not only complying with the Chief PNP’s vision, but enhancing it with proactive planning and technological integration.

The mission is clear: Visible, responsive, and accountable policing for the safety of our community, he added.