CEBU CITY, Philippines — Crime volume in Cebu province has dipped by 14 percent for the past eight months from 5,810 cases last year for the period January to August down to 4,970 cases of the same period this year. Cebu Provincial Police Director Patrocinio Commendador said the rigid enforcement of their Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) was a major factor in bringing down the number of crimes.

PIPS focuses on police visibility especially in crime-prone areas. The police regularly conduct rounds via police cars, beat or foot patrol and motorcycles, he said. Index crimes are the most crimes committed in the province. They include crimes against persons and properties such as snatching, robbery, hold-up and theft. (Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.)

PWD services

CEBU CITY (PIA) — The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA-7) in the region provides support to persons with disabilities (PWDs) by promoting PWD massage, beauty and spa services to all government agencies.

Pedro Noval Jr., ARENA-7 president and regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said the ARENA sends out letters to members of the association regarding the services of PWD masseurs/masseuses and beauticians trained by the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC). Government agencies were encouraged to include PWD services in their wellness program for employees.

Capiz aid

ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — A resolution requesting the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz to appropriate P400,000 was unanimously approved during a special meeting last Oct. 6 by the members of the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here.

The amount will be used in helping victims in the provinces of Central Luzon devastated by typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” last week. Capiz provincial administrator Jose Villanueva said the amount will be used in buying dried fish that could serve the needs of typhoon and flood victims.

Town cited

ILOILO CITY (PNA) — Antique’s capital town, the San Jose de Buenavista, is the country’s best municipal disaster risk reduction management council (MDRRMC) for 1st to 3rd class municipal category. San Jose information officer designate Fe Corazon Tacogdoy said the recognition was the town’s second award under the National Gawad Kalasag.

The National Gawad Kalasag is an annual recognition bestowed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in recognition of the local governments’ exemplary achievements in the field of disaster risk management.

Blood donation

NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) — Twenty-six bags of fresh blood were donated by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Biliran Provincial Office led by Police Senior Supt. Alfredo Sabornido during the blood letting last Thursday, which was conducted at the provincial camp in Barangay Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran.

This was bared by PO1 Venus Abrigo of the PNP Biliran Police Community Relations in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Biliran Provincial Office.