Bizmen alarmed by series of robbery incidents
The business community in Iloilo City are alarmed by the spate of robbery incidents happening in the city these past few days.
They have expressed their concern to Mayor Jerry Treñas who in turn ordered Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) chief Senior Supt. Wesley Barayuga to maximize police visibility in all major thoroughfares in the city.
Treñas did not elaborate on the concern raised by the business community but he assured that the city's police is on top of the situation.
The mayor further stressed that the recent robbery incidents could be considered isolated cases adding that the city is still peaceful compared with other cities.
Last week, a Korean national operating a bar in Jaro was robbed and shot to death. The incident was followed by another robbery in Aldeguer Street, City Proper where the victim, a businessman, was also shot dead. Robbers then took his bag containing cash money.
Treñas said members of the newly activated Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) will be in the forefront of strengthened police campaign against all forms of criminality particularly in curbing robbery incidents in the city.
Treñas said mobile checkpoints will imposed in the different parts of the city. No stationary checkpoints will be made as it will only give the suspects the idea on what exit point to use, said Treñas.
Most of the suspects in the series of robbery incidents in the city use motorcycle units as getaway vehicles.
The chief executive added that the spate of robbery incidents will be among the topics to be discussed in today's meeting of the Iloilo City Peace and Order Council.