University security exec slams media, PNP report on gang fight
City cops began its heightened police visibility and security outside the premises of the University of Iloilo (UI) in Rizal Street, City Proper amid reports of recurring gang fights here. As such, uniformed police personnel of the Iloilo City Police Office's (ICPO) Police Precinct 1 will make continued rounds and maximize its police patrol in the hope of restoring peace and order in the area.
Yet for a top university security personnel, both the media, particularly broadcast networks, and the police are hyperventilating over nothing. In fact, for Alex Ladrido, UI Security Officer, things have been blown out of proportion as he repeatedly stressed in yesterday's radio interview, that the recent brawl was not a gang fight but more of a personal battle.
And the university is "hurting" over the adverse reports, Ladrido lamented, as he moved to downplay police action saying he has no idea where the cops investigate and came up with the conclusion that the latest incident was one of a gang war.
His sources and own probe stated otherwise, Ladrido declared to Bombo Radyo's Rodel Fullon however no specifics were given on the subject.
Pressed by Fullon if he thinks the city cops' police work were baseless and unfounded, Ladrido quipped, "siguro masiling 'ta man nga pinalagpat eh... ambot diin sila iya nagkuha sang ila imbestigasyon kay ang akon iya lain man (I guess we can say that... I have no idea where they based their investigation because mine is also different)."
Meantime, students and parents in nearby school, Ateneo de Iloilo (Sta. Maria Catholic School) were told to take extra precautions in the light of the gang-fight report.
A police insider reached by The News Today (TNT) shared similar concern saying the situation is potentially dangerous for the other students particularly elementary and high school. As the first semester nears its end, the source said the gang war is expected to escalate as more recruits are likely to be made.
PP1 Commander, Senior Inspector Conrado Carganillo has since told reporters that everything viable is being done to avert future fights in the area. Charges were filed against known gang members while the latest victim, one Jose Pedro Maniba, a Second Year Technology student remains hospitalized for stab wounds brought by the recent brawl.