Newly appointed Baguio City Police Office Director Jesus Cambay Jr. vowed to implement his programs of action, including the marching orders of two ranking officials, in a bid to make Baguio a peaceful city.

On top of the peace and order functions of the police, Cambay said BCPO will implement programs to ease the worsening traffic congestion especially at the central business district.

The new BCPO chief, who is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1989, added policemen and women will also play an active role in arresting the continued environmental degradation in this mountain resort.

He said the strict and sustained implementation of ordinances pertaining to garbage would help the city address its problems on solid waste disposal.

Cambay said the programs and reforms could be best implemented by BCPO if there is unity and cooperation in the ranks of the Baguio’s Finest.

“As I call for unity in our ranks, please toe the line in the delivery of quality police service to the people and to our beloved city,” Cambay said.

Cordillera Police Director Benjamin Magalong challenged Cambay to exercise transparency by presenting or reporting actual crime data to Baguio officials in order for BCPO to get the right support from the city government.

Magalong said recent crime statistics showed some 2,000 crimes were allegedly not reported, which he claimed is not reflective of the true peace and order situation of Baguio.

“The worse offense of a police department is to deceive the public. Let us be transparent about our data,” Magalong said.

He also challenged Cambay to give special attention to stopping all forms of illegal gambling, especially jueteng, even as the BCPO director received a marching order to stump out jueteng by November this year.

Cambay said anti-illegal gambling operation will be part of the peace and order roadmap for Baguio, which he will implement.

“We will enforce the law not just on illegal gambling but on all kinds of crimes. Baguio should be a safer place to live in, visit, study and make a living,” the BCPO chief vowed.

Tuesday’s turnover ceremony was attended by Baguio officials led by Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Cambay’s classmates from the PMA.