Dispatch secret marshals, police urged

MANILA -- A senior lawmaker on Saturday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other authorities to dispatch teams of "secret marshals" to run after criminal elements.

Despite the implementation of the gun ban in preparation for the 2013 elections, two separate robbery incidents in Metro Manila – one in Megamall and Pasig City and another in Robinsons Magnolia – were reported this week.

Isabela Representative Rodolfo Albano said establishing police checkpoints is not enough because criminal groups are employing various techniques to perpetrate their illegal activities.

"The government should show its determination in neutralizing lawless elements. We should not allow these hooligans to continue sowing terror," Albano said.

"The people are waiting for the response of the government and police authorities to address the problem. We cannot afford to be complacent. We should adopt drastic measures to protect our people," Albano said.

Albano said secret marshals were used in the past against criminals and were proven to be effective.

According to Albano, the police can mobilize the people through the barangays in its fight against criminality saying the "people in the grassroots know these criminals better than police authorities." (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)