She said she is not blaming DPS for not solving the crime.
“They are short of manpower and I understand their situation,” she added.
But she is urging all residents to be more vigilant and cooperate with each other by organizing the Neighborhood Watch Task Force in their villages.
Since 2006, the municipal council’s office has lost to burglars four air-conditioning units, 10 computers, a digital camera, a lawn mower, a bush cutter, and other equipment.
The last incident happened on June 19, 2009 when the burglars gained entry to the window of the restroom.
Tudela said they have already installed typhoon shutters for the windows and doors of their office, costing taxpayers $9,000.
To fight crime, there is a need to “expand” the Neighborhood Watch Task Force, Tudela said.
Police Sgt. Vicente H. Sablan, task force chairman, said police visibility is important but DPS can only assign police officers to strategic places because of lack of manpower.
The task force has three pilot areas — in Dandan led by block captain Frank B. Camacho; Susupe and Chalan Kanoa led by block captain Eric Atalig, and the Sugar King area organized by the late Howard Macaranas.
Tudela, who is seeking a House seat in Precinct 1, said one of her programs is to raise community awareness in the campaign against crime and the island’s revitalization.
“I want to continue helping the community,” she said, adding the responsibility and power of the municipal council is limited.
“I can do more in the House,” she added.
Tudela said she will meet with William Lieto, the Santa Remegios Parish Pastoral Council president in Tanapag, to help organize the task force in the village.
Lieto, after a successful prayer rally against illegal drugs and gambling, expressed willingness to coordinate with the task force.
