Police told to work harder vs bad elements
Alarmed by the rising cases of “basag kotse”, cellphone snatching and pickpockets in the city, Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday ordered the police to work “double time” to address the problem.
Treñas admitted that “he was a little alarmed” of last Tuesday night’s series of incidents affecting the peace and order of the city. Nevertheless, the chief executive said the police is in control of the situation. There is no reason that the problem could not be resolved with the police doing their best, he said.
Treñas said the police already have leads on the identities of the suspects, but he refused to elaborate further as it might affect the ongoing police efforts. He, however, said that police noted new and old personalities who are involved in the series of criminal activities in the city.
With this development, Treñas said the city would provide the police with additional personnel and right equipment for their mobility in running against the criminal elements.
The chief executive said he wants to fasttrack the delivery of patrol cars and motorcycles to the different police stations. The bidding for the procurement of five patrol cars and eight motorcycles was already made. The patrol cars will be distributed to the City Proper, Waterfront detachment, Arevalo police station, Jaro police station and Mandurriao police station.
Last Tuesday’s crime incidents include “basag kotse” at Smallville, hold up incident, among others. To remedy the situation, a team from the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) will be deployed in the area.
The chief executive also appealed to all car owners to make sure their valuables are protected. Valuable things should not be left unattended. It should not draw the attention of the bad elements, the mayor said.