Police told to step up anti-crime campaigns

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) called on the police Saturday to double up their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the province.

PamCham President Rene Romero issued this call amid recent killings in Pampanga, the last of which involves a businesswoman who was gunned down in Guagua town.

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Senior Superintendent Manuel Gearlan earlier reported that Amerjan Eusoff Guiam, 59, a businesswoman, and her son Joseph, 33, were on board an Isuzu Crosswind driven by one Joren Laxa when ambushed by still unidentified suspects.

A bystander identified as one Nancy Layug, 40, also died in the incident.

Last week, three men were also killed by unidentified gunmen and police are trying to establish the motives.

Romero said such incidents should be a cause for concern, especially during this election season.

He said crimes, particularly those involving killing and kidnap-for-ransom of businessmen, are expected to rise in many areas of the country as a result of the “supply and demand” trend of the political season.

Romero said the March 26 start of the local campaign is also a reminder to businessmen to work with local government units and the police in maintaining peace and order.

“We do not want our investors to be scared of the peace and order situation. Though the recent killing of a businesswoman is far from being political, it sends a cause for us to call on the local police to step up their efforts,” Romero said, adding that the business sector in this city is taking precautionary measures on its safety.

“We are not in a panic and there is no reason to panic. What we are asking for is that the business sector and the local police join hands in maintaining peace and order,” Romero said.

He also said the business sector in the city also urged the police to increase their visibility to deter crime, while the private sector continues to promote public vigilance.

Police were also asked to upgrade and develop a communication system to act on requests for police assistance, crime incident reports and criminal sightings. On the process, the police will strengthen their intelligence network in the barangay level.

Romero said that specific accomplishments in anti-criminality campaigns are also a good deterrent against lawless elements and a good come-on for investors.