|
Monday, June 27, 2005
Cop chief in dilemma over funds for rewards plan
WHILE claiming to favor restoring the scheme giving civilians monetary rewards in helping the police arrest criminals, City Police Director Honorio Cervantes said he is still clueless on where to get the funds intended for the project.
The clamor on restoring the police compensation scheme popped-up last week as the City Council pointed out the escalating criminal activities in the city.
The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) used to give a P1,000 cash reward to police officers, ronda tanods and civilians who helped in the arrest of crime suspects.
This scheme was implemented by former acting Cocpo chief Antonio Montalba, but had been abolished by Cervantes when he took over as chief of police last February.
The chairman of the council committee on Police, Fire and Public Safety, Councilor and lawyer Alvin Calingin, earlier called on the city police to step-up measures against criminality.
Even the council's acting presiding officer, Councilor Edgar Cabanlas acknowledged the rising criminal incidence in the city.
"This is getting serious. Criminal are becoming more bold in committing crimes," Cabanlas expressed this observation last week.
Even Liga ng Mga Barangay president, Councilor Alexander Dacer said barangay officials in the city are taking no chances in their drive against criminal elements.
"Dili ka pwde nga kompiyansa lang unya moingon nga walay pagtaas bisan gakahitabo na sa imong atubangan (You can't be too complacent and say there is no rise (in crime incidence even it is happening in front of you)," Dacer told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
Dacer said barangay officials are alarmed over the rampant robbery and drug trade occurring within the school areas in the city.
"Our schools are the favorite target of the drug runners and hold-uppers, and already our barangay officials have reported various criminal activities there," Dacer said in vernacular.
Rugby, an addictive solvent used as adhesive agent, and Marijuana, are the common illegal drugs being sold among elementary pupils, Dacer said.
"Among high school students, drug pushers sell marijuana and shabu," he revealed.
But despite these, Cervantes said there is no reason to be alarmed, and refuted claims that crime incidence is on the rising trend.
The chief of police cited police data noting the decrease of crime incidents in the first quarter of the year. He did not, however, elaborate.
Cervantes also said that his office would seek means to produce funds for the restoration of the police compensation scheme, though he added that there are still no moves to effect this. (Danilo V. Adorador III)
(June 27, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
|
