New Police Station 12 Opens in Zamboanga City
In a ceremony on Wednesday, October 15, Zamboanga City formally activated Police Station 12, located in Barangay Talon-Talon. The move marks a strategic expansion of the city’s law enforcement network as officials aim to strengthen public safety and police responsiveness in fast-growing communities across the area.
Leadership and Command
Police Major Juvic Aballe was named acting station commander of the new Police Station 12. His appointment comes as the city positions the station to handle an increasing workload in a jurisdiction experiencing rapid development. The leadership shift underscores a broader commitment to professionalizing local policing and ensuring steady, visible police presence in neighborhoods that are experiencing growth.
Regional Support and Strategic Rationale
Police Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, Director of the Police Regional Office-9, emphasized that the activation of Police Station 12 is designed to enhance police visibility and improve response times. In his remarks, Matta highlighted that the upgraded status supports a more proactive approach to policing, enabling faster mobilization during emergencies and better coordination with other agencies for community safety initiatives.
A City Readiness Initiative
The activation aligns with a broader city plan to decentralize policing and bring public safety services closer to residents. The move is part of a national framework that seeks to expand police infrastructure in growing urban areas, ensuring that communities have timely access to law enforcement resources. Local officials see the new station as a tangible step toward reducing response times and increasing trust between residents and the police force.
Official Upgrades and Policy Backing
On October 1, the National Police Commission upgraded the Zamboanga City Police Office to Type A status. This upgrade authorized the activation of Police Station 12 in Talon-Talon and opened the door for the possible creation of up to eight more police stations across the city. The change reflects a strategic policy shift aimed at strengthening local policing capacity and improving service delivery to constituents.
Public Safety Goals and Community Impact
Mayor Khymer Olaso voiced strong support for the new station, expressing confidence that it will bring public safety services closer to the people. The mayor emphasized that a more accessible police presence can deter crime, support neighborhood watch efforts, and provide residents with a clearer line of communication to law enforcement authorities. Community programs and partnerships are expected to grow as Police Station 12 integrates into the city’s safety ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
As Zamboanga City moves forward with this expansion, stakeholders anticipate ongoing collaboration among the police, local government, and civil society to maximize the station’s impact. The new facility is poised to serve as a hub for crime prevention, emergency response, and community outreach, reinforcing the public’s confidence in local law enforcement and contributing to a safer, more resilient city.
Key Takeaways
- Police Station 12 activation enhances visibility and rapid response in Talon-Talon and surrounding areas.
- Leadership under acting station commander Police Major Juvic Aballe signals a focus on professional, community-oriented policing.
- The Type A upgrade and potential for eight additional stations reflect a strategic push to expand policing infrastructure citywide.