KALIBO, Aklan – The police-to-population ratio in Kalibo town is far from ideal.
Kalibo acting police chief Major Frensy Andrade, in a meeting with Kalibo Municipal Advisory Group (MAG), said there is a need to increase the number of uniformed personnel to attain the ideal number for the capital town of 1:700, which is one cop for every 700 people.
Kalibo, a first-class municipality, has a population of 89,127 (2020 census) in 16 barangays. Daytime population may swell substantially to 120,000 during the day.
The volunteers serving as advisory council members are also backing the proposal requesting the Philippine National Police for more police officers in Kalibo Municipal Police Station.
Andrade stressed that adequate and competent police force in Kalibo will enhance police operational efficiency and further address public safety and reduce other serious crimes.
“Kailangan mabalanse natin ang ating kapulisan sa populasyon ng Kalibo. Dumadami ang tao ngunit kulang ang ating mga pulis,” he added.
He also noted that the Kalibo police force should be doubled from 66 to 140 to meet the ideal police-to-people ratio.
Nationwide, the rate of full-time police officers was 1:500 based on provisions of Republic Act 6975.
Kalibo deputy chief Major Willian Aguirre also gave his take on the staffing situation, saying, changes in police size has big impact in maintaining peace and order in the communities of Kalibo.
“Sa ngayon, apektado ang numero ng kapulisan dahil sa localization program at schooling. Halos ang ating mga personnel na may administrative functions ay naka-deploy na rin sa labas ng istasyon,” he added.
Aguirre said the police are facing challenges in curbing the use of illicit drugs of high school students and juvenile delinquents involved in theft incidents./PN
