By Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
Police anti-kidnapping chief Cosme Abrenica and his team met with Jake Sanders and Brian Lewis of SMOCC at the Anti Kidnapping Group, Camp Crame on July 12th
In a world where threats to security and safety continue to evolve, collaboration between government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) has become increasingly crucial. The proposed cooperation between the Sovereign Military Order of the Celtic Cross (SMOCC) and the Anti Kidnapping group of the Philippine National Police signifies a significant step towards enhancing anti-kidnapping efforts in the Philippines. SMOCC, along with its Philippine and global partner NGOs, has a proven track record in combating human trafficking, fake pharmaceuticals, and counter extremism, making them valuable allies in the fight against kidnapping.
Non-government organizations like SMOCC can support anti-kidnapping police work in the Philippines through a variety of proactive measures:
- Prevention Programs:
- Community Involvement: Collaborating with local communities to raise awareness of kidnapping risks and providing training on prevention strategies.
- Hotlines: Establishing hotlines or reporting mechanisms for the public to report suspicious activities related to abductions.
- Safety Seminars: Conducting safety seminars and training sessions to educate individuals, families, and businesses on recognizing and responding to kidnapping threats. Technical training and support can also be offered.
- Educational Activities:
- School Projects: Working with schools to integrate anti-kidnapping education into the curriculum.
- Workplace Training: Providing training to employees in high-risk industries to enhance their safety awareness.
- Public Awareness Campaign: Launching a public awareness campaign through various media channels to inform the population about kidnapping risks and prevention measures.
- Media Engagement:
- Media Collaboration: Partnering with the media to raise awareness about anti-kidnapping efforts and share success stories.
- Social Media Campaigns: Utilizing social media platforms to disseminate information on kidnapping prevention tips and resources.
- International Exchange Programs:
- Training and Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating exchange programs with international law enforcement agencies and NGOs to share best practices in countering kidnapping.
- Capacity-building: Providing training and resources to enhance the capabilities of local law enforcement agencies in handling kidnapping cases.
- Advocacy & Policy Support:
- Policy Advocacy: Advocating for stronger anti-kidnapping laws and policies at the national and local levels.
- Legal Aid: Offering legal assistance to kidnapping victims and their families to ensure their rights are upheld throughout the legal process.
- Victim Support Services:
- Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support services to victims and their families, including counseling, legal aid, and other forms of assistance.
- Reintegration Projects: Developing programs to assist victims in reintegrating into society post-trauma, such as vocational training and psychological support.
By implementing these recommendations, NGOs like SMOCC can play a pivotal role in supporting the Philippine anti-kidnapping police and contribute to creating safer communities. The proposed cooperation between SMOCC and the Anti Kidnapping group of the Philippine National Police holds the promise of strengthening anti-kidnapping efforts and safeguarding the well-being of individuals in the Philippines.
Official website of SMOCC –www.smocc.info
