Pagdilao wants 9 WV rob groups neutralized
Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr., police regional director, yesterday directed intelligence operatives to neutralize the nine robbery groups operating in Western Visayas as he implemented the three-strike policy among police chiefs and station commanders to stop the spate of robbery incidents in Iloilo province.
The three-strike policy means that a police commander will be administratively relieved from his post and investigated for lapses, inaction or negligence if three successive robbery incidents occur in his area of jurisdiction.
“I directed all chiefs-of-police and station commanders to undertake preemptive strike and preventive measures,” he said, adding that he wanted to see positive results on the campaign against organized crime.
Pagdilao said he wants police operatives to run after organized robbery groups operating in Iloilo, especially the group responsible for the death of Police Officer 1 Elizer Pingoy who died while responding to a robbery incident in La Paz district, Iloilo City last Saturday.
“Because of frequent holdups, we will intensify preventive measures like visibility patrols and checkpoints operation. The Philippine National Police in Region 6 will make use of a combination of proactive, preventive and reactive measures to address the wave of robbery incidents in our areas of responsibility,” Pagdilao said.
CCTV MONITORING
Pagdilao said he also ordered all provincial and city directors and town police chiefs to ask the support of their respective mayors and governors for the installation of closed-circuit television cameras in crime-prone areas to help deter criminals and help speed up investigation.
The CCTVs would also aid investigators in identifying the suspects of a crime and the equipment’s mere presence could discourage criminals from carrying out their plans.
Pagdilao said he is also eyeing the creation of motorcycle patrol units that will scour the narrow streets and alleys of Iloilo city and provide faster response and pursuit.
He added that intelligence operatives of different police units should also double their efforts in identifying and locating the whereabouts of criminals in their areas for their immediate arrest.
