Reyes said the conference was held to assess the crime situation, focusing principally on terrorism, kidnapping for ransom (KFR), the drug problem, bank robbery-holdup, as well as, the campaign against rogue or "kotong" policemen.
"The consensus we’ve reached with the board of advisers is there is a perceptible increase in the number of incidents, particularly kidnapping, and that we will take bold measures to see to it that this trend is checked and reversed," Reyes said.
"The directive to our police forces is to see to it that we get the job done. And by the job done, we mean that we are able to do two things. One is gain the respect of the community, and second, instill fear in the hearts of criminals," he said.
The DILG secretary went on to say that the number one instruction is for the police forces, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies such as the NBI and the anti-crime task force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), to make an update on the listing or order or battle (OB) of criminals involved in terrorism, KFR, illegal drugs, and bank robbery-holdup.
He added all police commanders in the country, from the regional command, provincial command, district command, down to the city and municipal police stations, have been instructed to neutralize these criminal elements.
Reyes particularly ordered the police to "cause them (criminal elements) to surrender or effect their arrest and see to it that if they resist arrest and if they pose clear and present danger to the community or law enforcement agencies, that they will be neutralized immediately."
"So, our police forces have agreed that we will do just that. We are glad we have with us the support of the community represented by the NAKTF board of advisers and other civilian support organizations," Reyes said.
But while Reyes said they agreed that there has been a perceptible increase in criminality, the situation is not that dramatic to cause the public to fear for their safety.
The DILG secretary further said they have made police commanders responsible for their respective area of jurisdiction saying they should apply aggressive leadership.
Reyes said that while they have given strong orders for the PNP to fortify its anti-crime campaign, they will also see to it that due recognition is given to the good performance of the country’s law enforcers.
He added that while there may be a seeming increase in crimes, particularly terrorism and KFR lately, it is because the police have to some extent devoted their attention in addressing demonstrations and other mass actions brought by the current political issues.
"We had to make sure that the mass actions remain peaceful and orderly," Reyes said, adding: "We are now back to focusing again on criminality."
