RAILROAD PATROL. Police personnel from the Calamba Component City Police Station patrol a neighborhood along the railroad in this undated photo. Local police has begun using this novel vehicle to gain access to parts of the inner city that are inaccessible to patrol cars. (Photo by Zen Trinidad)
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Calamba Component City Police Station said on Tuesday it is using motorized railroad cars to bring law and order to parts of this city that are inaccessible to the traditional patrol car.
Lt. Col. Milany Martirez, Calamba’s police chief, told reporters these small vehicles allow policemen to patrol neighborhoods situated along the railroad tracks, specifically Barangay Parian all the way to Barangay Paciano Rizal.
By deploying railroad cars equipped with advanced surveillance and communication gadgets, law enforcement officers can now operate in communities whose streets are too narrow for police cars to pass, she said.
“This strategic deployment aims to bolster efficiency and effectiveness in crime deterrence, leveraging available mobility resources to their fullest potential,” Martirez said.
A small four-wheeled railroad car propelled by a hand-operated mechanism or by a small motor is also called a “handcar.”
In this case, the handcars being used by the Calamba police are propelled by small motors that are more often used to power small boats.
Martirez said the railroad vehicles are being used in conjunction with the city’s newly-launched Police Community Response and Monitoring (PCRM) Box network, which are small police detachments deployed all over the city.
A PCRM Box positioned in Barangay Parian’s Purok 6 also serves as vital hub for public access to police assistance during emergencies.
Equipped with state-of-the-art communication devices, drone technology, first aid provisions, and rescue tools, these facilities ensure swift and effective response to crime incidents and accidents, she added.
Moreover, Martirez underscored the importance of synergizing with local authorities, including members of the Barangay Peace and Order Council (BPO) and Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO) to reinforce patrolling and monitoring efforts.
“Through this multi-stakeholder partnership, the police aim(s) to create a formidable frontline against crime while fostering a sense of security and trust within the community,” she said. (PNA)
