Baguio city: Mayor Benjamin Magalong has urged newly installed Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) director Col. Nixon Laoyan to familiarize himself with the capabilities of the city's smart command center. The Baguio City Command Center is linked to closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed along major thoroughfares and in areas identified as crime-prone. Some of the city's 128 villages also have CCTV cameras linked to the command center, allowing authorities to deploy personnel more quickly and identify crime suspects and violators of city ordinances.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Magalong emphasized the importance of aligning Laoyan's plans with the vision and core agenda of the city. "We know you have your own plans. Please align them with the vision and core agenda of the city," Magalong told Laoyan, who officially assumed the role of BCPO director on Tuesday. He advised Laoyan to get a briefing on the capacity and capability of the command center to effectively utilize it for his programs.
Magalong also advised Laoyan to coordinate directly with city departments and other stakeholders to ensure smooth coordination in carrying out his duties. Laoyan, who previously headed the Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera, took over as BCPO director from Col. Ruel Tagel, who served for one year and 11 months before being reassigned as head of the Regional Plans and Strategy Management Division.
During the turnover ceremony, Laoyan pledged to help maintain Baguio as a preferred tourist destination by ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors. "One of my priority tasks is to ensure that our tourist spots are orderly and peaceful. We will further strengthen police visibility and ensure that our police officers are present where they are most needed," he said. Laoyan emphasized that police presence should be consistent, not just during calamities or crimes, to ensure accessibility and readiness to assist those in need.
Laoyan outlined his commitment to maintaining a firm and consistent anti-criminality campaign by intensifying police visibility, intelligence operations, crime prevention, and law enforcement operations. He vowed to uphold professionalism, fairness, and respect for the law and the rights of every individual. "Let us make Baguio the best city for tourists, for Filipinos to visit and experience the beauty of the Summer Capital," Laoyan stated.
