In the diverse landscapes of the Philippines, the Central Visayas region shines with its rich culture and thriving industries. Amidst this vibrancy, ensuring citizens’ safety remains paramount. A testament to this commitment is the 701st Maneuver Police Company, RMFB 7.
While Cebu province was declared ISO-cleared in 2010, indicating its safety from threats like the New People’s Army (NPA), ISO stands for internal security operations; in 2022, National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. reaffirmed this status, and a recent report by ACLED has further corroborated the province’s ISO cleared standing. However, this doesn’t mean the significance of maneuver police companies is reduced. Take the 701st Maneuver Police Company as a case in point. Instead of viewing the ISO clearance as a cue for complacency or acting without rationality, they see it as an avenue for growth and opportunity. This unit has transitioned from its common mandate of conventional security roles to prioritize community development and proactive community engagement.
In contrasting scenarios, I often question the rationale behind certain maneuver police companies continuing their monthly ISO operations despite their ISO-cleared jurisdiction. Why are they conducting these operations, and against whom? The central point of my critique revolves around the apparent waste of resources and effort. When we’re confident that an area is free from armed NPA presence, why are operational reports still being submitted to higher authorities? Isn’t this an apparent contradiction? We acknowledge the area is ISO-cleared, yet we persist with monthly (major and minor) operations that yield no significant results. Where does the logic lie in this approach?
Seeing it as an opportunity, a transitioning approach can be seen in community policing, marked by its emphasis on cultivating profound ties through diverse community engagements, which represents a pivotal shift towards 21st-century policing paradigms, diverging from traditional methods. The 701st champions this approach as indicated in their 3rd Quarter milestone report. Their commitment facilitates a rapid response to grassroots (breeding grounds) threats and nurtures trust with residents among adjacent and neighboring municipalities in the northern part of Cebu. By partnering with the local police and engaging with the local government units, initiatives such as joint checkpoints, providing security personnel to significant events, and active participation in municipal peace and order councils strengthen the security measures in the region.
The innovative approaches of the 701st don’t rest solely in its operations and initiatives but in its philosophical approaches rooted in logic or clear reasoning. Their approach, centered around community needs over preset mandates, offers a model for other police maneuver units.
Imagine if all maneuver police forces in ISO-cleared jurisdictions took a cue from the 701st, adopting logical operational strategies prioritizing community-specific needs. Such an approach would not only reinforce community ties and bolster confidence in protective institutions but also enhance the legitimacy of the local police stations, fostering greater trust within the community.
In essence, the 701st Maneuver Police Company characterizes the potential of modern policing perspective and underscores the power of logic and adaptability in shaping positive outcomes. Their endeavors provide a roadmap for efficient and community-centric policing, deserving commendation and emulation nationwide.
by: Byron Allatog
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DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the position of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, or the Philippine Government.
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