Overview: A New Police Station for a Growing City
In a move to strengthen public safety and policing capacity, Zamboanga City formally activated Police Station 12 in Barangay Talon-Talon on Wednesday, October 15. The ceremony marked the station’s assumption of office and the beginning of its role in enhancing police presence in a fast-growing part of the city. The activation aligns with broader efforts to modernize local law enforcement infrastructure and improve response times for residents and businesses alike.
Leadership and Command
Police Major Juvic Aballe was appointed acting station commander, leading a team tasked with establishing the station’s operations and community engagement. The appointment underscores the city’s commitment to a steady, professional transition as new units are integrated into the police framework. Attendees at the ceremony included police officials from the regional level and city government leaders who acknowledged the station’s potential impact on daily safety and crime prevention.
Official Rationale: Visibility, Response, and Community Trust
Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) Director Police Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta explained that the activation is intended to boost police visibility and improve the locality’s rapid response capability. In growing communities, a visible and accessible police presence is often a key factor in deterring crime, reassuring residents, and enabling faster coordination with local authorities during emergencies. The Talon-Talon site will serve as a hub for patrolling, incident response, and community policing initiatives designed to tailor security measures to local needs.
Government Support and Local Backing
Mayor Khymer Olaso expressed strong support for the activation, highlighting the station as a tangible step toward bringing essential public safety services closer to the people. By expanding the city’s police infrastructure, officials aim to foster a safer environment that supports economic growth, tourism, and daily life in Talon-Talon and surrounding areas.
Legal and Administrative Milestones
The October 1 upgrade of the Zamboanga City Police Office to Type A status by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) paved the way for the activation of Police Station 12 and the planned creation of up to eight additional stations across the city. Napolcom Resolution No. 2025-0582, signed by Napolcom’s Commission en banc and chaired by DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, authorized these changes as part of a broader modernization blueprint. The formal activation on October 15 reflects the execution phase of this policy framework, signaling a durable expansion of local law enforcement capacity.
What This Means for Residents
For residents and business owners, the new station promises improved response times and more direct access to police services. Routine patrols, community meetings, and crime prevention campaigns are expected to ramp up in Talon-Talon, contributing to a more secure living and working environment. The station’s presence also creates opportunities for closer collaboration with neighborhood associations and local organizations, enabling tailored safety programs and rapid reporting channels.
Looking Ahead
As Zamboanga City continues to grow, the establishment of Police Station 12 is framed as a cornerstone of long-term public safety strategy. Ongoing assessments will likely guide staffing, resource allocation, and the rollout of further stations to cover additional districts. The city’s leadership emphasizes that this expansion is not just about more police on the streets but about building trust, transparency, and dependable service for all communities involved.
