LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) - "Crime prevention is a shared responsibility of the community and law enforcement," said lawyer Louie E. Toldanes, provincial director of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Albay.

To inculcate in the young that facet of crime prevention, the Napolcom held last Thursday, September 5, a forum with some 200 senior high students of Cabangan National High School.

"The students' participation in crime prevention is very important especially in the community and in schools. At a young age, they should be aware of the different types of crimes and importance of being alert and prepared at all times," said Toldanes.

As part of the observance here of the 25th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW), the Napolcom oriented student government officers from Albay secondary schools on their role as members of the Student Crime Prevention Committee (SCPC) of their campus. They will act as eyes and ears of authorities inside the school.

The SCPC will report illegal activities to the authorities and hold information drive on crime prevention, particularly on drug abuse, alcoholism, illegal gambling, fraternity quarrels, hazing and other undesirable activities.

The "Pito Tayo Laban sa Krimen" (Let us whistle to fight crime) was also promoted to enable students to reduce the opportunity of offenders by using a whistle to attract attention and call for help.

Toldanes added that students are very vulnerable to crime even in campuses "that's why it is important to educate them not to give opportunity to crime and be proactive in preventing it."

He emphasized that the Napolcom works together with the Philippine National Police and other government agencies and civil society organizations in ensuring public safety and promoting peace and order.

Other activities held for the 25th NCPW included a one-stop information shop in a mall, information drive in schools and media guesting.

The observance was anchored on the theme "Buhay Pahalagahan, Komunidad Magtulungan, Krimen Hadlangan," which focused on lifting the public's awareness on crime prevention and community involvement on public safety.

The annual observance on the first week of September is mandated by Presidential Proclamation 461. (PIA-5)