PNP launches global and local help desk, Mata ng Kalsada program

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday launched an international and local help desk that seeks to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the globe and their families in the Philippines.

According to the PNP, the Global Peace Community Relations (PCR)— international and local help desk was set up in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, stakeholders, and local and international organizations.

“Meron tayong international help desk na ‘yung tutugon sa mga concern ng ating mga OFWs through our police attache,” PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said in a live briefing.

(We have an international help desk that will address the concerns of our OFWs through our police attaches.)

“At dito naman sa Pilipinas, andito mga help desk natin sa lahat ng police station nationwide para sa mga kamaganak ng ating mga OFWs,” he added.

(Meanwhile, here in the Philippines, we have help desks in police stations nationwide for the relatives of the OFWs.)

Mata ng Kalsada

The PNP also launched the “Mata ng Kalsada,” which is an organization composed of drivers, street vendors, and other community members that are regularly on the streets and major roads.

According to the agency, the Mata ng Kalsada will serve as “main force multipliers to act as an eye and ears of the PNP Highway Patrol Group for crime prevention and anti-insurgency campaigns.”

Elezar said public trust in the police may rise through the programs.

“Hindi po ako magtataka na mas lalong lalakas ang tiwala ng ating mamayan sa kapulisan dahil sa maayos na serbisyo at tayo po ay kanilang malalapitan sa ano mang oras,” he said.

(I will not be surprised if trust in the police will be strenghtened due to our good service and they will be able to approach us at any time.)

“Kami po ay nangangakong susuklian ito ng isang matapat at malinis na serbisyong publiko. Alam po namin na ng challenge sa amin ngayon ay patuloy na hikayatin, patuloy na pataasin ang pagtitiwala, kumpiyansa, at respeto ng ating mga kababayan sa ating kapulisan,” he added.

(We will public for their trust with decent and honest service. We know that the challenge for us now is to urge and continue to increase the trust and respect of the public for our police forces.)

— DVM, GMA News