Cotabato City Boosts Police Presence with Four New Mobile Outposts
COTABATO CITY (July 29, 2025) — In a move aimed at bolstering public safety and law enforcement visibility, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) formally handed over four mobile police outposts to the Cotabato City government on July 22, during a turnover ceremony held at the City People’s Palace Lobby.
Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao received the symbolic keys from MPOS officials, joined by Vice Mayor Johair Madag, members of the City Council, and Cotabato City Police Office personnel led by Police Colonel Jibin Bongcayao.
Mayor Matabalao expressed gratitude to MPOS and the BARMM regional government, saying Cotabato City is fortunate to be among the first cities in Mindanao to receive such support. He said that the mobile outposts will help Cotabato City residents feel more secure—not because there is a lack peace, but because visible law enforcement promotes safety.
The new mobile units are outfitted with air-conditioning, solar panels, CCTV systems, and computers. Designed to support both urban and remote deployment, they will serve multiple roles, including conflict monitoring, election-related security, and community engagement.
Police Colonel Bongcayao underscored the importance of the outposts, calling them a “strategic and timely intervention” that provides a functional space for officers on duty and strengthens public trust through visible policing.
“Malaking bagay po ito sa kapulisan para doon po ang temporary shelter ng mga kapulisan natin habang nagdu-duty sila.Dahil sa outpost na ito ay magiging kampanti ang mga tao sa seguridad nila dahil sa may mga kapulisan na naka-distino dito,” he added.
The City Government and PNP highlighted that the initiative not only enhances daily law enforcement but also promotes transparency and community ties.
MPOS Director General Atty. Al-Rashid L. Balt noted the project’s broader impact on regional peacebuilding efforts. “Ang mobile outpost na ito ay makakatulong sa public order and safety concerns sa lungsod. Kapag maging maganda ang resulta nito ay maaari pa natin siyang dagdagan,” he said.
This turnover marks another milestone in MPOS’ mission to modernize public safety infrastructure across the Bangsamoro region, reaffirming its commitment to innovative and responsive solutions for community security. (Reported by Maricel G. Salik, OJT, MSU Islamic Studies; BMN/BangsamoroToday)
