Baguio's Finest: Leading Law Enforcement in the Cordillera
Baguio City has demonstrated its commitment to safety with Baguio's Finest, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), securing the top position in the Unit Performance Evaluation Rating (UPER) for July 2024. This recognition highlights their exceptional performance in a weeklong Simultaneous Anti-Criminality and Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) and a notable decrease in incident reports in early August.
Top Ranking in Unit Performance Evaluation
According to the latest UPER results from the Police Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR), BCPO achieved the highest ranking among seven police offices in the region. With an impressive average score of 97.19, Baguio's Finest excelled in both operational and administrative aspects. This score reflects the high level of professionalism and quality of service consistently delivered by the BCPO.
Successful Operations and Crime Reduction
From August 11 to 17, 2024, BCPO executed a series of effective SACLEO operations. These efforts resulted in 37 operations and the arrest of 37 individuals. Among those apprehended, 22 were wanted persons, including seven on the list of Top Most Wanted Persons at both the Regional and City levels.
In addition, BCPO conducted four anti-illegal drug operations, which led to the arrest of ten High-Value Individuals (HVIs) and two Street-Level Individuals (SLIs). These operations yielded the seizure of suspected shabu and marijuana with a total value exceeding Php750,000. The BCPO also focused on firearm regulations, arresting two individuals for violating Republic Act 10591, or the "Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act." One firearm was confiscated, and seven were surrendered to authorities.
Enhancing Community Safety
BCPO's efforts to enhance community safety extended to combating illegal gambling, resulting in one operation that led to the arrest of one violator. The effectiveness of these measures is evident in a 30% reduction in crime incidents during the first 20 days of August compared to the same period in July. Despite these successes, reckless imprudence related to traffic remains the most reported crime.
PCol. Francisco B. Bulwayan, Jr., City Director of BCPO, praised the work of Baguio's Finest. He noted, "I am incredibly proud of our team's dedication and the strong partnership we've cultivated with the community. This success reflects not only our efforts but also the trust and support of every Baguio resident."
Setting a High Standard
Baguio's Finest continue to set a high standard for law enforcement in the Cordillera region. Their successful anti-criminality operations and dedication to public safety highlight their role as a leading example of effective policing. The BCPO's achievements, along with their collaboration with the community, emphasize their commitment to maintaining a secure and safe environment for all Baguio residents.
