Digos City Takes Action Against Rising Crime Rates
The City Government of Digos has implemented a comprehensive action plan to combat the increasing number of robbery and snatching incidents affecting the community. Mayor Josef Cagas announced this strategic initiative, emphasizing the local government's strong commitment to protecting residents and maintaining a secure environment for all.
We are taking concrete steps to make our streets safer and to reassure our citizens that their government is acting swiftly and decisively, Mayor Cagas stated during the program launch.
Mayor Leads Night Patrols, Reveals Incident Statistics
In a demonstration of hands-on leadership, Mayor Cagas personally conducted night and early-morning inspection rounds on November 10 alongside high-visibility police patrols. The mayor shared this experience through his Facebook account, showing residents the immediate action being taken.
During an interview, Cagas provided specific data about the crime situation, noting that approximately 20 households out of the city's 85,000 have been affected by recent incidents. This translates to roughly 20 individuals among the 180,000 registered voters in Digos City.
Enhanced Security Measures and Priority Areas
The new security program focuses on multiple approaches to crime prevention. The city will intensify police patrols in identified high-risk locations, strengthen community engagement programs, and implement proactive measures designed to enhance public safety and boost citizens' confidence in their security.
Priority areas receiving increased police visibility include:
- Barangays Tres de Mayo, Aplaya, San Miguel
- Zones 1, 2, and 3, and Matti
- Busy thoroughfares such as Rizal Avenue
- The Digos Public Market and Public Terminal
Police authorities, led by PLtCol Peter Glenn Ipong of the Digos City Police Station, have urged residents to maintain vigilance and cooperate with authorities by promptly reporting any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.
Public Safety Advisory and Official Hotlines
The city government has issued practical safety guidelines for residents, advising them to keep valuables out of sight, use well-lit and populated routes during nighttime hours, remain alert to their surroundings, and immediately report any suspicious behavior to authorities.
Official emergency hotlines for reporting incidents include:
- Digos City Police Station: (082) 553-4415 / 0998-598-7752
- Bureau of Fire Protection: 0919-858-8656 / 0915-464-4935 / (082) 553-1160
- City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office: 0946-695-7777 / 0956-352-5477
Strong Warning to Criminal Elements
In a Facebook post dated November 9, the Local Government Unit and Digos City Police issued a stern warning to potential lawbreakers. Such unlawful acts will not be tolerated, the statement declared, emphasizing that law enforcement authorities are on heightened alert with directives to intensify patrol operations, checkpoints, and surveillance activities.
The city government's message to criminals was unequivocal: Let this serve as a strong reminder: Digos City will never be a haven for lawbreakers. The LGU emphasized that individuals caught committing crimes will face the full force of the law, adding that the days of lawlessness are numbered in the city.
Through these comprehensive measures, the City Government of Digos reaffirms its commitment to protect both residents and visitors while maintaining the highest standards of public safety throughout the community.
