Bulacan Police Provincial Director Col. Satur L. Ediong assures the public that the Provincial Police Office is committed to maintaining peace and security in the province. (Photo from Bulacan PPO)

The province of Bulacan remains a safe place and the alleged surge in the number of crimes committed in the province was all fake news.

The Bulacan Police Provincial Office led by Provincial Director Col. Satur L. Ediong, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, debunked social media reports indicating that “It is no longer safe in Bulacan” following a series of alleged hijacking and abduction incidents.

"Isang malaking paninira lamang ng mga walang magawang tao upang sirain at bulabugin ang tahimik na pamumuhay ng mga Bulakenyo," (These are lies and fake news being peddled by some people who have nothing better to do but to destroy and disrupt the peaceful life of the people of Bulacan)," Ediong said.

In a video message, the Bulacan police director assured the public that they remain committed to maintaining peace and security throughout the province.

There have been reports on social media on the alleged motorcycle hijacking in the province.

Ediong refuted this by saying that there has been an intensified campaign against this, with policemen active in checkpoints and patrol operations by the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU) that keep the streets safe. 

On the alleged abduction of children using a white van in the cities of Baliwag and Plaridel, Ediong also called this fake news.

“The Bulacan PPO continued to increase police visibility and security in public places, schools, and major roads to ensure the safety of every citizen, especially children,” he assured.

On cases of child abuse in the City of Malolos, he said the police are closely monitoring these cases. 

“Every report is immediately acted upon through thorough investigation to hold accountable anyone involved in illegal activities. Through modern technology, the police have intensified and expanded our security programs," he said.

The use of drones with GPS capabilities helps provide live monitoring of hard-to-reach areas. 

The Bulacan police recently arrested members of the criminal gangs involved in various crimes such as gun-for-hire, gun-running, and robbery hold-ups, among others. Among those arrested was Jimbo O. Lorenzana, who is a member of the Fernando and Lorenzana criminal gangs on Jan. 23.

It will be recalled that Raymond O. Lorenzana, leader of the Lorenzana criminal gang, was arrested on October 27, 2024, while Arnold Gonzales Fernando, leader of the Fernando criminal gang, was arrested on March 28, 2024.

Ediong said the campaign of the Bulacan police against illegal drugs has been intensified intensified and has led to the seizure of 10,542.53 grams of shabu and 56,226.37 grams of marijuana worth P114,903,670 and in the arrest of 3,385 individuals, including 247 most wanted persons and 1,854 other wanted persons.

Ediong urged the public to be careful with the information they are sharing on social media to avoid sowing fear among Bulakenyos.

"Let's unite in spreading correct information and avoid posting things that may cause alarm or harm to the community," he said.