Anti-Criminality Plan, Oplan Grasscutter 2020, 5 Phases of SPD Anti-Criminality Action Plan 2020, Southern Police District, Philippine National Police, Highly Urbanized Cities 

A defining feature of peace communities is their use of nonviolent means to achieve their goals. By articulating an ethical opposition to the use of direct violence, they reduced cultural violence in their locality and built a culture of peace. This state is what every Filipino wishes for in their respective communities and what law enforcement aims for as well.
A highly urbanized community in the Philippines means that the city has experienced significant growth and development, with a high concentration of population and economic activity. These cities are characterized by rapid urbanization, with a large proportion of the population residing in urban areas. Urban areas are places of high population and high density, characterized by their built-up infrastructure. They are expanded by the act of urbanization.
There are several areas that could be considered as highly urbanized, among them are the Southern Manila District wherein the Southern Police District has jurisdiction over. The Southern Police District (SPD) stands as an illustrious beacon, proudly bearing the mantle of the most expansive district within the National Capital Region Police Office encompassing a vast expanse comprising six cities and one municipality – Makati, Taguig, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Paranaque and Pateros. It is considerably the biggest District among the Five (5) Police Districts of the National Capital Region Police Office. With more than thirteen million population in Southern Manila districts (National Statistics Office of the Philippines, 2023), it is inevitable that crimes are recorded.
Crime volume is the number of crime incidents per 100,000 population. Crime rates are higher in poorer neighborhoods and in areas with higher population density, deteriorate living conditions and many unemployed members of the workforce. Following the pattern of other countries, rapid urbanization, industrialization and migration to the cities are major factors that contribute to higher crime rates in Philippine urban areas. Before governments are able to respond fully to threats of crime, they must first have a firm grasp of the situation. Government, particularly crime prevention planners, must be informed of concomitant factors in the commission of crimes and other important data for them to responsively address the problem. Recommended crime prevention measures to be considered by authorities in the Philippines include eliminating adverse social conditions; reducing opportunities for crime to be committed; and improving the ability of the criminal justice system to detect, apprehend, judge, and rehabilitate criminals.
The notable practices of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in dealing with crime prevention and control include the implementation of anti-drug laws and campaigns, the use of technology for police monitoring, and the promotion of peace and order through police operational initiatives. The Anti-Criminality Plan of Southern Police District outlines the Philippine National Police’s anti-crime strategy with the mission to effectively prevent and suppress crimes to ensure public safety. The objectives are to reduce crime rates, improve response times, increase crime solution efficiency, and increase conviction rates. Under which is the specific anti-criminality plan dubbed as, “OPLAN 02/2020 “GRASS CUTTER”. GRASSCUTTER” deprived from a machine or device for cutting grass/weeds especially wild grass which sprout in lawn and garden. This program is influenced by the “BROKEN WINDOWS” theory which is a criminological theory that states visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior and civil disorder, create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes. The theory suggests that policing methods shall target minor crimes. It is in this context that this Police District has conceptualized “OPLAN GRASS CUTTER” to immediately cut or arrest violators of vandalism, half naked, public drinking and urinating in public before it grows or became the habits of individual which help to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness, thereby preventing more serious crimes. The Security System is divided into five (5) phases to wit: Phase 1 – Preventive measure; Phase 2 – Pre-emptive/Pro-active measure; Phase 3 – Crime Investigation; Phase 4 – Community Mobilization; and Phase 5 – Information Operation.
Police depend on the community to report crimes, cooperate as witnesses, and even look out for themselves and other officers. Police work runs much more smoothly with the trust and cooperation of the community. This results in lower crime rates, more effective police investigations, and an overall safer community. However, the challenges posted in preventing crime include the need for more resources in terms of workforce and equipment. With limited staffing and outdated technology, law enforcement must adequately cover areas and respond promptly to incidents.
This research therefore, examines the implementation of Anti-Criminality Action Plan 2020 on Oplan Grass Cutter as an anti-crime prevention program in Southern Police District. This study looks at crime statistics, community involvement rates, and the effectiveness of policing strategies in an effort to shed light on how community policing might enhance public safety and reduce crime in a variety of settings. The paper also tackles issues that are observed in the implementation of the 5 Phases of SPD Anti-Criminality Action Plan 2020 SOP3 and an action plan shall be formulated to address the issues identified. This study is a mixed method using quantitative and qualitative approached in research. Triangulation of data will be conducted, this allows the researchers to collect a wide variety of data for the purposes of getting a more holistic picture of the phenomenon under investigation. This research employs both practical and participatory action research design.
The purpose of the study is to search for best practices in the implementation of policing communities that focus on improving the current practices of other units in the PNP, thus making this study qualify as practical action research. This study also falls into participatory since it requires the participation of the community or individual that is inorganic among PNP and the objective of the study is t contribute to change in the PNP organization as well as to the society. The Southern Police District’s citizens and nearby cities and municipalities can benefit from the results of this study via evidence-based policy and practice recommendations that maximize community policing efforts and enhance resident outcomes.