Councilor Patrick Alex Hagedorn has directed law enforcement and safety agencies to submit a “quarterly report” on their activities to maintain peace and order in the city and ensure public safety.
He issued the directive earlier this week, particularly to the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO), Land Transportation Office (LTO) Palawan, and the City Anti-Crime Task Force (ACTF),
Hagedorn said the City Council wants to know the current “peace and order” situation in Puerto Princesa and the common crimes or incidents happening so they can draft necessary laws.
He explained that through these reports from the PNP, LTO, and ACTF, they can determine if there is already a need to amend existing city ordinances.
He cited the city’s curfew ordinance, which he said is already more than 20 years old, as an example of a measure that may need updating.
“Mabigyan sana kami ng report kung ano ang tumataas, ano ba ang nagiging problema, so that we can help in aide of legislation, dahil baka may mga kailangan na tayong baguhing ordinansa,” Hagedorn said.
“I think 1992 pa ang curfew ordinance natin at sobrang tagal na, 20 years na lagpas na. Baka may kailangang gawin… gumawa ng bagong ordinansa,” he added.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Freddie Taliman, chief of the City Mobile Patrol Unit of the PPCPO, said the number of crimes in Puerto Princesa remains lower compared to other areas, although there are periods when cases increase.
He cited theft incidents as an example, noting that many cases are not reported to the police but are instead posted on social media.
“Mababa naman kumpara sa ibang probinsya o city. May season lang na tumataas kaso hindi naman sila nagre-report sa istasyon at sa Facebook pa sila nagre-report. Sana ay ipaalam nila sa amin sa istasyon para ma-aksyunan,” Taliman said.
City ACTF Head Richard Ligad said there are times when incidents are reported to barangays, but it is unclear if these are forwarded to the police.
“Minsan naman naire-report nila sa barangay pero hindi natin alam kung si barangay ay umaabot pa sa PNP. Hindi naman natin inaano ang barangay pero maliban na lang siguro kung ang suspek nila ay doon din sa barangay nila na maaaring ‘yun ay maaayos pa. Pero kung ang suspek nila ay nasa ibang barangay, hindi natin masabi kung si barangay ay naipapadala pa sa PNP para mag-conduct ng investigation,” Ligad said.
Ligad said their data and incident responses show that many of the cases involve youth, with incidents increasing during the school year.
He noted that some of those involved are not city residents but students from other municipalities who, at night, engage in activities that sometimes lead to conflicts with local youths. Many of those apprehended by the Anti-Crime Task Force at night fall under this category.
Several residents took to social media to air their concerns and suggestions on how to address crime and public safety issues in Puerto Princesa.
Maria Marrie suggested setting the age requirement for barangay watchmen between 25 and 45 to ensure that those on duty are physically capable and diligent.
Lyn Ajjemiel called for an action plan to address rampant burglary in barangays, noting that the problem has persisted for years without decisive action.
She added that CCTV cameras have become less effective in catching suspects and that even guard dogs are sometimes poisoned.
“Make an action plan for rampant burglary on every barangays. It’s been years of years of no action. Habang tumatagal padami sila ng padami. Even the CCTV won’t work anymore to catch them. Even dogs can’t help sometimes. They would poison those poor dogs. Kahit tirik ang araw nambibiktima sila,” she stated under a Palawan News video post.
Some commenters, like Sam Furio Gallero, remarked that the city is generally quiet except in certain areas.
Kuys Jhong Prado urged authorities to focus on the increasing incidents of theft and find solutions.
Roger Pedrezuela suggested that officials consult with residents to get a clearer picture of the security situation, especially regarding frequent thefts involving young people.
Some also commended the police for their 24/7 visibility, saying it contributes to public peace of mind.
