Treñas orders ICPO to arrest Basag Kotse suspects
City Mayor Jerry Treñas has once again issued an order to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to arrest suspected members of the elusive Basag Kotse group. The never-ending Basag Kotse cases might taint the 2010 Dinagyang Festival if they are not resolved and stopped, said Treñas.
Last week, suspected members of the Basag Kotse group broke and robbed a Toyota Vios sedan owned by Oliver Abella of Cebu. The suspects took away a laptop and a Sony digital camera. The car was parked in front of Sportsville at Barangay Sambag, Jaro.
Suspects also tried to rob a Nissan Navara pick up but was foiled after a security guard of Buto’t Balat in Mandurriao discovered their plan. The suspects fled even before the responding police arrived on the scene.
Treñas said the matter should be resolved right away.” It is not a good thing to look at as the city celebrates its yearly festival in honor of Señor Sto. Niño. Local and foreign tourists usually swarm the city to witness the spectacle.
Treñas said he has issued a special instruction to ICPO director Sr. Supt. Melvin Mongcal to address the problem. This is a concern which needs to be given immediate attention, he said.
The police should intensify the conduct of checkpoints not only to impose the Comelec ordered total gun ban but to apprehend the suspects involved in the series of Basag Kotse cases here, added Treñas.
The ICPO has already put in place security measures which include deployment of policemen and force multipliers to secure the safety of guests and revelers. The security forces are tasked in different judging areas, sea ports, hotels and other areas in the city where people are expected to troop.
