7 Bicol cities comply with PNP’s 5-minute response opn
- Bicolmail Web Admin
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY --- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) has begun implementing the directive of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, on the five-minute response time strategy in the region.
In a phone interview on Friday, PRO-5 Director, Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, said the seven cities across the region’s six provinces are adopting the new response scheme, which aims to create a more responsive, modern, and people-centered approach to policing.
These cities are Ligao, Legazpi, and Tabaco in Albay; Iriga City and Naga City in Camarines Sur; Masbate City in Masbate; and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon province.
“It is already in effect. All seven cities have implemented an eight-hour duty patrol on the road. Yes, we are conducting simulation exercises (SimEx) regularly to train our personnel and familiarize them with radio communication and the real-time viewing of responders using body-worn cameras and other recording devices. These are the aspects we are exercising to enhance our communication skills,” he said.
Dizon said other towns and remote areas in the region are exempted from the five-minute response requirement due to tactical considerations.
“We are taking response distances into account, but rest assured that our police officers will provide the fastest response in times of emergency,” he added.
To further enhance their capabilities, the police will be purchasing necessary equipment, Dizon said.
“We are lacking body-worn cameras, radios, and vehicles for mobility. We need motor vehicles for quick response, body-worn cameras for live viewing, and reliable radios. Currently, we are using the Zelo application as an alternative to radio communications, as well as Viber and Accord for live viewing. This way, responding officers can be tracked in the command center. We are also utilizing drone patrols,” he said.
As part of their intensified efforts to deliver rapid and effective police response to emergencies and public safety concerns, they conduct not only SimEx but also communication exercises (CommEx).
“These exercises are designed to assess, refine, and ensure the seamless execution of the five-minute response strategy across all police stations and mobile units within the region,” Dizon said.
The SimEx focuses on realistic scenarios requiring immediate police intervention, such as crime incidents, vehicular accidents, and public disturbances, to evaluate personnel deployment, route optimization, and command coordination.
The CommEx aims to strengthen the communication infrastructure and protocols that connect police units with command centers and the public, ensuring timely dispatch and situation monitoring.
Dizon said they expect the PNP chief to visit over the weekend for the inauguration and blessing of the Sorsogon City Police Station, where they plan to demonstrate their five-minute response capability.
“So far, we are ready for everything. We have been preparing, and hopefully, we will meet the standards set by the Chief PNP by Sunday,” he said. (PNA)
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