This is a rejoinder to the letter titled “Where’s Mayor Ton Genuino?” (Inquirer, 3/11/12), an example of usual emotional reactions from a restless public directed at persons in authority whenever there is a crisis.
The municipal government of Los Baños is in charge of the public safety of around 119,000 people—including some 12,000 teachers, expatriates, transients and students who are not from the town. With just 59 policemen, some of whom are taking advanced police schooling, one could just imagine the miserable police to population ratio.
Nobody wanted the unfortunate incidents to happen, but as the mayor, I take full responsibility. Despite the black propaganda on my supposed inaction and apathy, I work quietly with the help of my constituency who are with me in our campaign to curb criminality.
There is now continued police presence especially along the stretch of major thoroughfares in downtown Los Baños. The investigation on the rape-slay case involving 14-year-old Rochel Geronda is being fast-tracked, and suspects in other criminal cases are being pursued. Thirty more cops have been added to our police force, and 15 new police outposts have been put up in strategic locations. Around 200 additional lampposts have been installed, and the municipal government is now in the process of purchasing CCTV cameras to be set up along dormitory strips and commercial areas. The Laguna provincial government has also donated 10 multi-cab vehicles for patrolling villages surrounding the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
Local radio groups, civilian crime watch volunteers and Chancellor Rex Victor Cruz, along with the UPLB administration and the student council, are also helping us in this campaign. We are strictly enforcing a curfew for minors, a ban on the selling of liquor after 10 p.m., and the anti-loitering policy. These ordinances are meant to eliminate the windows of opportunity for the commission of crimes.
Crime fighting is a collective effort. People prejudge me and my officials, but those who don’t are truly the ones who matter—barangay officials and tanods who tirelessly protect the neighborhood; parents who rear their kids to become upright citizens; neighbors who volunteer to safeguard their streets; dormitory owners who look after the welfare of their tenants; jeepney drivers who transport their passengers safely; or the teachers who patiently instill discipline among students.
I am just right here in Los Baños, working in the municipio, or out in the streets ensuring police presence, or looking after public schools and barangay affairs, consulting with the science and academic community, looking for livelihood opportunities for constituents, ensuring that local environment officers are doing their job, lobbying for more support from the national government for our town, and preserving the positive image of Los Baños.
—ANTHONY F. GENUINO,
mayor, Los Baños, Laguna