Bataan police builds child-friendly zone inside camp

By Jose Mari Garcia

Saturday 9th of June 2012

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, June 9 (PIA) -- Apart from being the core of security operations for public safety, the Bataan Provincial Police Office (BPPO) here is now also a “safe haven” for children who find playtime in the camp’s child-friendly zone.

A playground and simple park were built recently inside Camp Cirilo Tolentino located in the Capitol compound, where children as young as three years old flock everyday to play.

BPPO Director Police Senior Supt. Ricardo Zapata, Jr. said he initiated the construction of the child-friendly zone because of the number of children playing around the camp who are prone to accidents.

“I thought of giving the children a safe haven and also they could be prevented from accidents in the street. Since they are not a security risk, they can play here,” said Zapata in an interview.

According to Senior Inspector Dennis Orbista, the “mini-amusement park” diverts the children from games that could injure them.

When asked of the safety of the children given their proximity to the Bataan Provincial Jail, Zapata said that the prison is a separate entity and is not located inside the camp.

He added that the policemen relish hearing the laughter of the children that ease them of stress of work.

“It is happy inside the camp because of their noise and laughter. It is comforting to see children playing,” said Zapata.

Camp Cirilo Tolentino is named after a gallant private first class who died after saving drowning residents flood at the height of a typhoon in Pilar town in 1956. (CLJD/JMG-PIA3)