In a strategic move to enhance security during the election period, the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) has rolled out a new crime prevention program called the ‘two-hour habit.’ This initiative, which began on January 31, 2025, mandates all 48 police stations in the province to conduct mobile patrols from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. The program, spearheaded by PPPO director Col. Rollyfer Capoquian, aims to deter criminal activities, particularly as the national election campaign period approaches.
The ‘two-hour habit’ involves two shifts of patrolling: from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., officers use mobile patrol cars, and from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m., they switch to motorcycle units from the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Units. This approach is designed to maintain peace and order, specifically targeting crimes like theft and robbery in residential areas and convenience stores.
To ensure transparency and effectiveness, all 112 police patrol vehicles are now equipped with dash cameras, allowing real-time monitoring from the Provincial Election Monitoring Action Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan. The initiative draws inspiration from the simultaneous checkpoints set up by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which have been successful in preventing crime.
The ‘two-hour habit’ is also expected to act as a deterrent against election-related offenses, such as vote-buying. From January 12 to 31, the PPPO arrested 20 individuals for violating the election gun ban, with most arrests made at checkpoints. These suspects now face charges under Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in connection with Comelec’s gun ban.