Rev. Pete Miral of the Christian Bible Church said their church was burglarized a year ago, but DPS has yet to solve the case.
“We will ask DPS to attend our next meeting so they will get involved,” he told task force members.
The task force and religious leaders met in the Office on Aging conference room yesterday to discuss ways to combat crimes in the villages.
Rev. Manuelito Rey of the Cornerstone Christian Church said their church has been burglarized twice and not a single item stolen from them has been recovered.
He said the task force “is a very big help to us so everyone could help keep the community safe.”
Rey said he will discuss the task force’s program during the Association of Filipino Pastors meeting this August at the Garapan Central Park.
Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chairman Ramon B. Camacho, one of the task force’s prime movers, said community members should not withhold any information regarding any criminal activity.
He emphasized the important role religious leaders play in the community.
“I believe with your very strong resources we can work together for the betterment of the community,” he told church leaders.
Task force adviser William S. Torres said religious groups are among the “most effective” ways to spread awareness about the task force.
Their members have also been visiting schools and attending Parent Teacher Association meetings, he added.
“We are seeking partnerships to make this effort more of a community activity,” he told Variety.
Rev. Myung Taek Lee, pastor of the Immanuel Mission Methodist Church, expressed support for the task force’s program.
Richard DeBock and Elaine DeBock of the Living Hope Church of the Nazarene said they, too, will help spread awareness about the task force.
Their congregation, Richard DeBock said, can be part of the solution.
Noli Villacrusis of the Iglesia Ni Cristo said he will inform their church leadership about the task force meeting.
He said there is a need to strengthen community involvement in crime-prevention efforts.
Camacho said they will meet with the other religious leaders on Saipan.
