The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) has significantly strengthened its implementation of OPLAN Bulabog and OPLAN Bakal Sita across Central Visayas following a directive from Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Juanito Victor Remulla to strictly enforce public order under the national government's Safe Cities initiative.
The enhanced operations, announced on Friday, April 10, 2026, target street-level offenses and aim to intercept illegal weapons as part of a broader national effort to promote discipline, safety, and order in communities throughout the region.
According to PRO7, the strengthened implementation represents the Philippine National Police's commitment to supporting national directives that promote community safety and public order across Central Visayas provinces.
Expanded Operations Against Street-Level Crimes
Under the intensified OPLAN Bulabog, police units are targeting various street-level offenses and disorderly conduct that disturb community peace. The operations focus on eliminating drinking in public places, illegal street gambling including cara y cruz, loud videoke sessions, catcalling, and other acts that disrupt peace and order in neighborhoods.
The comprehensive approach addresses multiple forms of public disorder that have been identified as contributing factors to broader criminality in urban and rural communities. Police units will conduct regular patrols and respond to community complaints regarding these violations.
OPLAN Bulabog operations will be conducted in coordination with local government units and barangay officials to ensure comprehensive coverage and community support for the enforcement efforts.
Strategic Checkpoints Target Illegal Weapons
Simultaneously, OPLAN Bakal Sita continues through strategic checkpoints designed to intercept loose firearms, illegal weapons, and other contraband that may be used in criminal activities. These checkpoint operations represent a critical component of the region's crime prevention strategy.
The checkpoint locations are strategically selected based on intelligence reports and crime patterns to maximize effectiveness in preventing the movement of illegal weapons and contraband materials throughout Central Visayas.
Police personnel conducting these operations have been trained to identify suspicious items and individuals while maintaining respect for citizens' rights and following proper procedures for searches and seizures.
Regional Director Emphasizes Community Safety
PRO7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan emphasized the Philippine National Police's full support for Secretary Remulla's directive to strengthen law enforcement and ordinance implementation that preserves peace and public order.
"The Police Regional Office 7 fully supports the directive of Secretary Remulla to strengthen the enforcement of laws and ordinances that preserve peace and public order," PBGen Maranan stated in announcing the enhanced operations.
"Through the intensified implementation of OPLAN Bulabog and OPLAN Bakal Sita, our police personnel, in close coordination with local government units and barangay officials, will continue to ensure that our communities remain safe, orderly, and secure for the public," he added.
Enhanced Police Visibility in Public Areas
The regional police director announced that police visibility will be sustained in communities, particularly in public places and areas near schools, as part of the broader effort to deter criminality and enhance residents' sense of security.
The increased presence aims to provide visible deterrence against potential criminal activities while reassuring community members of their safety and security. Police personnel will maintain regular patrols in high-traffic areas and locations identified as vulnerable to criminal activities.
Educational institutions will receive particular attention under the enhanced operations, with police units coordinating with school administrators to ensure student and faculty safety during school hours and events.
Collaboration with Local Government Units
PRO7 has assured the public of continued close collaboration with local government units and barangay authorities in fully implementing the Safe Cities initiative throughout Central Visayas. This partnership approach recognizes the essential role of local officials in maintaining community peace and order.
Local government units will provide support through their own enforcement personnel and by ensuring that local ordinances align with national directives for public safety and order. Barangay officials will serve as key partners in identifying problem areas and coordinating community responses.
The collaborative framework allows for more comprehensive coverage and ensures that enforcement efforts are tailored to specific community needs and challenges across different municipalities and provinces in the region.
Safe Cities Initiative Implementation
The strengthened operations represent Central Visayas' contribution to the national Safe Cities initiative, which aims to create secure, orderly environments for residents and visitors across the Philippines. The initiative recognizes that community safety requires coordinated efforts at multiple levels of government and law enforcement.
Secretary Remulla's directive emphasizes the importance of consistent enforcement of existing laws and ordinances that promote public order and safety. The initiative builds on existing police operations while providing enhanced resources and coordination mechanisms.
The Safe Cities framework includes provisions for community engagement, ensuring that residents can participate in maintaining their neighborhood safety and reporting concerns to appropriate authorities.
PRO7's implementation of the enhanced operations will be monitored and evaluated to ensure effectiveness in reducing street-level crimes and improving overall community safety throughout Central Visayas provinces.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PRO7/PNP