DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – The Police Regional Office (PRO)-9 has undertaken various facility development projects across the Zamboanga Peninsula region, including construction, renovation and improvements of its police stations.
PBGEN Bowenn Joey Masauding, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-9, reported the office’s accomplishments from July 2022 to June 2024 during the 11th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas Press Conference.
He highlighted that peace and public safety has always been PRO-9’s utmost priority. In pursuit of this, the PRO-9 has adopted enhanced resource management mechanisms to implement various facility development projects.
Since July 2022, they have constructed 11 standard police stations throughout the region.
According to Masauding, each station represents one step towards their mission of creating a safer and more secure Zamboanga Peninsula.
Another commitment the office has made in improving their workplace is the newly renovated Regional Intelligence Division Building in their Regional Headquarters.
Other facilities that have gone under renovation and improvement are the PRO-9 firing range, which can accommodate pistol and rifle shooters as well as training; the PRO-9 Headquarters extension, effectively expanding an additional 216 sqm.
The office also invested in a modern 250-seater grandstand equipped with a control room, lounge, and a receiving area.
PRO-9’s command center, a modern communication center, complete with monitoring and communications equipment, and state of the art surveillance technology.
Additionally, they also completed the construction of the PRO-9 clinic located inside Camp Col. Romeo A. Abendan in Mercedes, Zamboanga City. This clinic serves as a satellite office for the regional medical and dental unit-9.
According to Masauding, these efforts in enhancing their facilities aim to demonstrate appreciation for their personnel’s hard work and commitment, aligning their physical environment with the organizational vision of excellence and professionalism.
He also reported that since July 2022, the PRO-9 has recorded a significant decrease in crime incidents in the Zamboanga Peninsula from July 2022 to June 2024. The number of crime incidents dropped from 16,106 (recorded from 2020 to June 2022) to 12,688, marking a 23.89% reduction in crime rates.
Currently, Zamboanga Peninsula has over 7,700 police personnel, with a police-to-population ratio of approximately 1:500. While PRO-9 considers this number sufficient, effective strategic planning remains crucial for effectively addressing and managing crime. (EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
