By Neela G. Duallo

City of Mati, Davao Oriental (12 February) -- With less than a year in assuming the post as the Provincial Director of Davao Oriental Prov'l Police Office, Police Sr. Spt. Jimmy Manabat continues to lead his men relentlessly, well supported by the provincial government, and beamed that "the PNP is doing well".

In the meeting of the Prov'l Disaster Coordinating Council on January 31, 2008, PD Manabat delineated the continuing pursuits of the Davao Oriental PNP.

"We are strengthening our civic involvement, advocacy on environmental protection and preservation, continue pursuing the perpetrators of the drug menace and illegal gambling through operations while focusing also on enhancing our skills and knowledge through seminars, especially those pertaining to Human Rights and Gender Sensitivity," he reported.

In their 15 operations against illegal drugs, 17 persons were arrested, 2,214 fully grown marijana and 1,100 dried leaves were confiscated.

Most importantly, Davao Or PNP is bent on improving it's administrative and operational capabilities.

However, Manabat also admitted some needs of the police force.

"We need 400 more members of the PNP, so we can implement the '1 policeman for every 500 residents' ratio in the province. As yet, our strength is a little than 500," he added.

The provincial director also reported that criminality decreased to 3.7%, as recorded in January of this year, compared to the incidents recorded in the same period of last year, while the index crime rate also decreased, and can still improve.

"We have also a noted decrease in our average monthly crime rate, in our average monthly index crime rate, while our crime solution efficiency stays almost the same, 8884.61% now and 84.48% previously," Manabat disclosed.

Manabat admitted elements of the outlaws operating in some parts of the province, but he assured Davao Oriental constituents that the PNP is in total control of the whole thing.

He is hopeful that they can accomplish a lot with the cooperation of the public and the unceasing support of the provincial government.

In a ceremonial turn-over after the PDCC meeting, the PDCC Vice-Chairperson accepted the 675 thousand worth of items from the provincial government which they earlier requested.

Items include 3 units Honda XR 200 motorcycles, 92 sacks of rice, 2 units computers with accessories, 10 sets handheld radios with desktop charger, 5 pieces tire, 1 piece regulated power supply, 1 piece PTT microphone of VHF base radio, among others.

"I am really grateful to Governor Malanyaon. All these will be of big help to our operations, will continue giving us the proper motivation, and the items given are geared towards a more effective service," he said.