26/07/2025
Looking forward to the evolution of this progressive initiative.
INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SAFETY NETWORK LAUNCHED BY PRO7 TO FOSTER UNITY AND TRUST
In a major stride toward inclusive policing and stronger community collaboration, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) launched the Community Assistance, Safety, and Support Network (CASSN) on July 25 at Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr., Cebu City. This innovative initiative aims to promote unity and trust by bridging the gap between law enforcement and diverse cultural communities, especially the Filipino-Chinese and foreign national sectors in Central Visayas.
The launch gathered key figures from both the public and private sectors, including Mr. Francis Dy, Vice President of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Michael See, Executive Vice-President of the Cebu-Mandaue Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; Mr. Kenneth Huan, Vice-President of the Cebu-Mandaue Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Mr. Ward Martein, President of the Cebu Foreign National Keepers Network, COL John Oliver Gabun, Commander, Joint Task Group-Cebu, Armed Forces of the Philippines; Mr. Jude Anthony Diaz and Mr. Mark Kevin Cimafranca of the Department of Interior and Local Government 7, Atty. Ronald Luib Jr., Acting Chief, Technical Division, National Police Commission 7, Ms. Milanie Jo Ouano Alien Control Officer-Cebu District Office of the Bureau of Immigration 7 and representatives from the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Tourism. Their presence and support underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in maintaining peace and public safety.
Police Brigadier General Redrico A Maranan, Regional Director of PRO7, emphasized that the CASSN program represents a strategic and symbolic step forward for the entire region.
“This initiative embodies our deep commitment to ensuring that our Filipino-Chinese and other Filipino-foreign communities are not only protected but fully engaged as partners in public safety. When communities feel heard, respected, and supported, our collective strength as a region grows immensely,” he said.
CASSN introduces a network-based, inclusive approach to policing, encouraging direct partnerships between the police, local governments, civil society, and business stakeholders.
As the region continues to grow and diversify, this kind of engagement becomes essential in fostering long-term peace and resilience.
PBGen Maranan acknowledged the critical role that both local and foreign investors play in regional development and reiterated the police force’s commitment to ensuring a secure and business-friendly environment.
“We recognize that the vibrance of our local economy is sustained by the hard work and continued confidence of both local and foreign investors. It is our duty and honor to ensure that you feel safe, supported, and protected as you continue to live, work, and do business in our region,” he said.
He also extended thanks to partner government agencies, citing their shared mission and expertise as vital to a whole-of-nation approach to public safety. This joint effort, he noted, lays the groundwork for a policing model that prioritizes empathy, awareness, and proactive community support.
In line with the leadership of PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III, PBGen Maranan reaffirmed PRO7’s dedication to the three pillars of modern policing: swift and responsive public service, strong unity and morale within the ranks, and a firm commitment to accountability and modernization.
“We are your modern police officers shaped by unity, driven by purpose, and bound by our commitment to serve. We stand committed, connected, and stronger than ever,” he said.
The launch of CASSN stands as a landmark moment for PRO7’s community-based policing efforts and serves as a model for future partnerships rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and mutual trust.
“This is a powerful example of how partnerships rooted in transparency and mutual trust can turn our shared vision of peace and safety into reality. At PRO7, service is measured by presence and by purpose,” PBGen Maranan said.
Through CASSN, the Police Regional Office 7 reinforces its role as a forward-thinking, people-centered force, dedicated not only to law enforcement but to empowering every sector of society in pursuit of a safer, united Central Visayas.
