CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

Crime prevention has been defined as the anticipation,

recognition and appraisal of crime risk and the initiation of action to

remove and reduce it. It reflects a philosophy of self-defense where

the law enforcer or the community act before the crimes are

committed (New York State Police, 2015). According to the Dutch

philosopher Desiderius prevention is better than cure. To achieve low

crime rate to a community, before the occurrence of a crime it must

be prevented, or will it worsen (Eramus, 2018).

The Philippine National Police has the responsibility to enforce

all laws, prevent crimes, protect lives and properties, and preserve

peace and order through the implementation of effective crime

prevention strategies. The goals of these strategies are to: (1)

decrease crime, (2) decrease fear of crime, and (3) increase

communication and improve relations between the police and the

community. Thus, the Philippine National Police is an important factor

and component of the society.

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In the community, every individual expects a security and

safety. The importance of providing a sense of security among people

in public spaces cannot be underestimated; failing to have a sense of

security in one’s everyday environment can have various negative

consequences (Shehayeb ,2008). To ensure community safety of the

people, Philippine National Police and enacted laws serves as the

tool or instrument in the protection of community

People are aware that crime may occur anytime and anywhere;

it becomes a part of the community. Alarmed by the surging cases of

Covid-19, the National Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management

of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) placed under Enhanced

Community Quarantine (ECQ) the provinces of Albay,

Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon from March 2020 to May 2020 to

prevent the wide spread of the disease.

Governor Escudero issued Executive Order (EO) No. 36-2020

on April 28, 2020 for the province’s transition to Modified General

Community Quarantine (MGCQ) from ECQ which governed the

implementation of crime prevention programs including the

movement of people and vehicles. During the MGCQ, checkpoints

were established in Barangay Putiao and Pilar Port in Pilar Town and
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Barangay Burabod and Sorsogon Port in Sorsogon City. The police

personnel manning checkpoints undergo reverse transcription

polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests from time to time to

prevent contagion among the lawmen.

The province was stringent in the implementation of the laws,

rules and guidelines issued locally as well as those coming from the

Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious

Diseases in its effort to maintain the Covid-19-free status of

Sorsogon. Under the measure, persons 20 years old and below and

those 60 years old and above are prohibited in all public places

except for lawful purpose or justifiable reasons while those aged 21

up to 59 are barred in public places from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Also, the

compliance with the minimum public health standards (MPHS) such

as wearing of facemask and face shield as well as the observation of

social distancing is continued to be enforced.

Because of the pandemic it became a challenge to law

enforcers to focus on preventing the spread of disease and at the

same time maintaining peace and order. Despite the uphill battle

against Covid-19 and surmounting challenges, the PNP remained

resilient in assisting the government to quell the community

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transmission. However, even if there is a community quarantine, the

occurrence of the crime are still unstoppable and new forms of crimes

emerged for this reason, law enforcers formulated new stringent and

effective strategies to prevent crime.

This research analyzes the new emergence of crime during the

MGCQ and find out if the present strategies in preventing crimes are

effective.

Based from the interview conducted, the respondents

reiterated that there are problems in implementation of strategies with

regards to curfew, where there is a lack of cooperation between

officials and the police force; in police patrolling, where there are such

times that the police personnel tend to be inactive after a period of

time of patrolling; in checkpoints, where there is a bias between the

vehicles inspected where mostly Motor Vehicles are the ones

inspected than private vehicles and lastly there is a lack of equipment

for Public Surveillance Camera.

It is for these reasons that the researchers conducted this study.

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Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to find out the problems

encountered in the implementation of crime prevention strategies

noting that Sorsogon is still under MGCQ.

Specifically, it will answer the following questions:

1. What are the strategies applied in the implementation to

prevent crimes during MGCQ?

2. What are the problems encountered in the implementation of

these strategies?

3. What solutions that can be offered and proposed by the

respondents to solve the problems encountered?

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The following are the goals and objectives of the study:

1. To identify the strategies being used by the city police to

prevent crimes during MGCQ.

2. To know the problems encountered in the implementation of

these strategies.
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3. To determine the solutions offered and proposed by the

respondents to solve the problems encountered.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Findings of this study will be beneficial to the following entities:

PNP Personnel - This research may give them an idea and

knowledge and to have in depth coverage about the approach

in handling crime prevention strategies.

Constituents of Sorsogon City - this study will give awareness

about the crimes that occur in the community during the

community quarantine. The result of this research will help them

to learn more about safety awareness, reduce crimes and

investment in terms of protection in Sorsogon City

Community – This research may serve as an eye opener for them to

know how PNP personnel conduct crime prevention strategies

and they should follow to make this strategies successful.

Present Researchers - the result of this research may help to

disseminate learnings and strategies to prevent crime in

Sorsogon City. This may help also to lessen the crimes while
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they are still young and be disciplined while dreaming become

one of the Law Enforcers.

Future researchers - this study will serve as guide or reference to

the future researchers that aims further study on reducing the

occurrence of crime. The findings will help them to evaluate the

objectives and effectiveness of crime prevention by designing

strategies addressing sustainable development.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For better understanding, terms used in this study are

operationally defined.

Crime prevention strategies – in this study, it refers to the

approaches employed by the respondents in crime prevention

such as: curfew, police patrolling, checkpoints, control of drugs

and alcohol, and public surveillance camera.

Implementation – in this study it refers to the process on how the

respondents put a decision or plan into effect or how they will

execute the following strategies

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MGCQ- Modified General Community Quarantine. It is the IATF

restriction classification of Sorsogon City when this study was

conducted.

Problems encountered – in this study, it refers to the difficulties

encountered by the respondents in the implementation of crime

prevention strategies in Sorsogon City.

Quarantine - a state, period, or place of isolation in which people or

animals that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to

infectious or contagious disease are placed.

Sorsogon City – this is the research site where the study was

conducted.

Strategies – method or plan chosen to bring out a desired future,

such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem.

Description of the Research Site

According to Philippines cities, Sorsogon City was created by

virtue of Republic Act 8806, which was signed into law on August 16,

2000 and ratified during a plebiscite on December 16, 2000. RA

8806, also known as the Cityhood Law, called for the merger of the

municipalities of Sorsogon and Bacon into a component city of the

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province of Sorsogon. The city of Sorsogon is located at the

northeastern part of Sorsogon Province in the southern tip of Luzon

Island, around 600 kilometers away from Manila. The city center is

situated on the coast along Sorsogon Bay where its port is located.

Neighboring towns include Prieto Diaz in the east, Gubat in the

southeast, Castilla in the west, and Manito town of Albay Province in

the north.

Sorsogon City lies from 1230 53’ to 1240 09’ east longitude and

from 120 55” to 130 08 north latitude. It is 600 km southeast of Manila

and is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon. The city is bounded

on the east by the municipalities of Pto. Diaz and Gubat, on the south

by the municipality of Casiguran and Sorsogon Bay, on the west by

the municipality of Castilla, on the northeast by the municipality of

Manito in Albay, and on the north by Albay Gulf. Sorsogon is part of

the geographical chain linking Luzon to the rest of the Philippines. It

is a transshipment corridor and serves as the seat of the Province of

Sorsogon.

As part of the gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao, Sorsogon

is a Melting pot of cultures and influences. From its earliest days as

trading post frequented by the Chinese and Malay merchants,

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Sorsogon has evolved into a center of trade and commerce in the

Bicol Region. Now a newly-created city, Sorsogon offers a promising

economic climate, further bolstered by an investor-friendly city

government. (Sorsogon City, 2020).

The city's local government is headed by a mayor elected by

popular vote. The Vice Mayor serves as the presiding officer of the

Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council), with 12 Councilors elected by

popular vote as its members. The people of Sorsogon behaved as a

kind, honest and tough in facing challenges as they are an Oragon

which in Ancient History means strong and brave and symbolizing a

word that pertains to a wise Bicolano, with valor and dignity, like a

gentleman.

Sorsogon City anchors its vision on “A model city in climate change

and disaster risk resiliency with a contented, empowered and values

oriented society that pursues socio-economic development within the

limit of nature thru genuine commitment to good governance.” Its

intended vision is further crystallized in its lofty mission which is “To

ensure a transparent and responsive governance with genuine

support and active participation of all sectors to improve the quality of

life in Sorsogon City.”

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Agriculture and fisheries sector is still the driving force of its

economy. Main agricultural products include rice, coconut, abaca, pili

nuts, root crops and vegetables. Having abundant raw materials

needed by the different industries, coconut oil and by-products,

choco-pili candy, seaweed processing and abaca by-products are the

business that can be put-up in the city.

Historical Account

The name Sorsogon is derived from the native word “sosogon”

which means to follow a trail on the route of a river continuously

flowing. The original site of the town was a small fishing village

between Capuy and Bulabog to which several families from Bacon

moved and settled, this is along the river now called Sorsogon

became a separate province as a political unit under the province of

Albay, was born in 1894 when Sorsogon became a separate

province, the town become the seat of the provincial government with

Jose de la Guardia as the first Provincial Governor.

Likewise, R.A No. 8806 paved way to the merging of the

municipalities of Bacon and Sorsogon as Sorsogon City which was

approved by the residents of both municipalities through a

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referendum on December 16, 2000, creating the component city and

capital of the Province of Sorsogon.

Location

Figure 1

Sorsogon lies at 122 – 124 longitude east, and 12-14 latitude

north, on the western seaboard facing the China Sea. It is bounded

on the north by Albay Gulf; on the northeast by the municipality of

Manito in Albay; on the south of Sorsogon bay and the municipality of

Casiguran; on the east by the municipality of Gubat; on the west by

the Municipality of Castilla, the city center itself lies upon the estuary

of Salog River, meeting the tide of Sorsogon Bay.

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Moreover, Magsaysay Street is in the hearth of Sorsogon City

where businesses are set. In here you see the public market,

department stores, fast food chains, drugstores, holding area for

vans, tricycles, banks, many others.

Profile of the People

Based on the demographic estimate, the city population is

estimated at 150,500, with 62,500 concentrated in the city center

urbanized barangays. It has an annual growth rate of 2.04%

population density is estimated at 1,893 persons per hectare.

Household in the city number 26,047, with an average household size

of 5.19 people per household.

Physical Characteristics

Sorsogon City has a total land area of 31,158 hectares, divided

into three districts, namely: Bacon District with 28 barangays; West

District with 22 barangays; and East District with 14 barangays, or a

total of 64 barangays. 18 of which are classified as urban, the former

Municipality of Bacon, thus has ceased to exist, but has evolved into

one of the three districts of the city.

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Social Status

Sorsogon has two annual festivals – the Kasanggayahan

Festival, which is a province wide festival which is participated by the

14 municipalities of the province. Sorsogon province is the center of

festivities every October of each year celebrating the Foundatioon of

the Province, and the Pili Festival every month of June, celebrating

the feast days of the Sorsogon Patronals, Sts. Peter and Paul, and

the Pili tree as the majestic tree of Sorsogon. Here, Pantomina sa

Tinampo is being performed as an act of a joyous celebration of love,

participated by the people of all walks of life, the affair is very lively

with colorful costumes of the participants, this illustrates that

Sorsoganons are fun – loving people.

The Sorsoganon festival is celebrated every December and it is

opened with Aguinaldo Mass followed by the other activities like: the

Sorsogon Street Dance; Mr. & Ms. Sosogon; gift giving; Lantern

Competition; Youth Camp; Photo Contest; Dance Drama Contest;

Song Writing Contest and the Amateur Singing Contest.

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Cultural Status

Most of the inhabitants of the province belong to the ethnic

linguistic Bicolano and Bisakol group. Sorsogon was once also

included Masbate. Sorsoguenos are very religious and fun loving.

Being mostly Roman Catholics, they are active in every festivity

celebrated throughout the year. For instance, like any other Filipino

ethno linguistic groups, they celebrated the fiesta of the Patron Saints

Peter and Paul in Sorsogon City every June. Also by the last week of

October, the Kasanggayahan Festival is celebrated in the whole

province. At the midst of the latter festivity, myriads of botanical

shows and painting are conducted. Most of the people will hang out in

carnivals and concerts. Another occasion is the Pili Festival, which

includes street dancing by local donning Pili nut costumes, cooking

competitions, fireworks displays and even a nut cracking session

along the road by the local. Every barangay has it own fiesta and

patron saint which are highlighted by yearly buffet feast in every

Sorsogueno home. Bicolano or Bikol is an Austronesian language

used in the Philippines particularly on the Bikol Peninsula on the

Island of Luzon. Bisakol are two kinds of major Dialects of the

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Philippines which comprises Bisaya or Visayan and Bikolano from the

province of Bicol.

During the Holy Week Season (celebrated as early as week of

March or first week of April). People flock to the saints Peter and Paul

cathedral and start the procession in barefoot, with carts bearing

statues of Jesus Christ on his way to Crucifixion, Holy Week in

Christianity is the last week of Lent.

The feast of Sts. Peter and Paul is celebrated every June 28 –

29 and marks as town fiesta of Sorsogon. The usual tradition of the

celebration is the 9 days Novena in honor of the two patron saints,

our patron saints.

There are many ways in celebrating the fiesta. It is usually

opened by a Grand Parade which is participated in by the different

schools, government and private employees, business sectors and

non government offices. Some of the activities conducted are as

follows: the Banca Race; participated mostly by the fisher folks which

usually starts from the rompeolas going around the bay; Youth Day;

which was celebrated in a different way by conducting indigenous

games participated in by the street children from the different

 17

barangay in the city; Elderly Fun Day; to give honor and respect to

our elders. They participated in the different games especially catered

for them like the Trip to Jerusalem, Eggplant relay, Tansan race &

Ballroom Dancing; LGU Fun Day; in which all city employees

participated in all activities at Lebanon Beach in Bacon like the

Hawaiian dance competition, videoke singing contest and sand castlr

making contest; Ballroom competition; represented by all the

department employees; TM mobile tour; Hip Hop competition;

participated by the different hip-hop dance group; lastly, the Concert

for a Cause; all proceeds will be donated to the renovation of the Sts.

Peter and Paul cathedral.

Political Status

Politics plays a vital role in the progress of the locality. Many

aspiring politicians are much interested in joining the political arena

for some reasons. Maybe, for power, personal interest or they want to

either serve the people or want a change in the implementation of the

program of the city.

As we can see nowadays, with the present administration, the

development in our city is fast growing. Clean streets and vicinities in

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the heart of the city in one example. Proper disposal and segregation

of trash is strictly observed. These are just one of the many projects

of the city. The placement of the traffic enforcers in the streets

contributed much in the observance of the traffic rules and

regulations. Public utility vehicles were relocated to give way to the

construction of the proposed city terminal site, the old shopping

center in Sulucan. Sorsoguenos are enjoying the service of the public

market in which it has the latest state of the art waste and drainage

disposal.

If our present elected officials be given a chance to prove their

worth, more developments and improvements will be witnessed by

the Sorsoganons.

List of City Officials

City Mayor: Ma. Ester Hamor
City Vice Mayor: Mark Erik Dioneda
City Councilors:
West District: Nestor J. Baldon
Erwin J. Duana
Fernando David III Duran

East District: Chuck Lubiano

Mary Ellen D. Jamisola
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Franco Eric Ravanilla

Bacon District:
Bhem Dioneda
Izu Atutubo
Larry Dioneda
ABC President: Nestor J. Baldon

Economic Status

Sorsogon City’s economy is still basically agricultural with its

major products dominated by palay, copra and abaca; including corn

and other root crops, vegetables, fruits, lives stocks, fish and other

marine resources from Sorsogon Bay. In fact, 96% of the land area is

devolved to agricultural and forest land use, with only 2.5% to urban

land use.

Although a suitable site has already been identified for a kind of

industrial park or light processing zone in the outskirts on the city

center, there is still no real factory or processing plant anywhere in

Sorsogon City, except for a small scale processing plants producing

semi-processed sea foods. The economic activity mode is still at the

cottage industry level, home based family entrepreneurship or micro-

enterprises such as handicraft production. All other economic

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activities are classified under service industry such as: hotels,

restaurants, fast-food centers, groceries, supermarkets, hospital,

communication and transportation companies.

Vision

We are an empowered citizenry

Enjoying people centered governance
Living in harmony with nature
Journeying in faith with our loving
Sorsogon!! The city of our dreams

Mission
To sense a transparent and responsive
Governance with genuine support and active
Participation of all Sectors to improve the
Quality of life of Sorsogon City
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ENDNOTES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorsogon_City

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307484831_Safety_and

_Security_in_Public_Space

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318876166_Implement

ed_Crime_Prevention_Strategies_of_PNP_in_Salug_Valley_Zam

boanga_Del_Sur_Philippines

https://sorsogoncity.balinkbayan.gov.ph/sorsogon-

city/#:~:text=Sorsogon%20City%20anchors%20its%20vision,is

%20further%20crystallized%20in%20its

https://www.zamboanga.com/z/index.php?

title=Sorsogon_City,_Sorsogon,_Philippines