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Monday, May 16, 2005
Nalzaro: Tommy’s unico hijo
By BOBBY G. NALZARO
WHAT’S so special at the Crossroads area in Banilad that Mayor Tomas Osmeña has ordered the Mobile Patrol Division to have a standby patrol unit there, especially during nighttime? For those who don’t know the place, Crossroads is located just few meters away from the foot of the flyover located at the junction of Salinas Drive and Archbishop Reyes St.
The land area is not too big and in fact it lacks parking spaces during weekends. There are several establishments operating in the area especially native and international restaurants, video karaoke and bar joints, which are favorite hangouts for the young.
Last week, the Mobile Patrol Division got Osmeña’s ire for not following his order to have a patrol car on standby at the area at night. As a result of their defiance, elements of the division lost their incentive allowance from City Hall for one month. All policemen assigned in the city receive P1,000 monthly allowance from the City Government.
Now, it can be told why the hizzoner wants to have a mobile car on standby at the area. His unico hijo, Miguel, frequents the place. In fact, there are reports that Miguel is one of the stockholders of one of the establishments in the area that is a favorite hangout of the scions of the prominent and influential families in the city.
Well, we cannot question the wisdom of the mayor because the entire police force is under his command. But what he is doing is more of a personal interest. While it is the duty of our police to give ample protection to the first family, the mayor should also give priority to other areas, especially those that are crime-prone. Ordinary people are also entitled to police protection from lawless elements. What is so special about to those people at Crossroads who are just having their good time? What about those people who are earning their living at the port area and Carbon market?
What is the primary function of the mobile division? Self-explanatory. It is called mobile division because its elements are provided with patrol cars purposely to respond to any eventuality, to conduct patrol and road blockade if there are hot pursuits. They should not be stationary. Now, if Tommy wants to secure Crossroads because his son and his circle of friends frequent the place, he should order the establishment of a stationary police sub-station in the area. Or hire personal bodyguard for his son.
Besides, what’s the use of those security guards hired by establishment owners at Crossroads. In dispatching our police, the mayor should also be fair to other areas where people are enjoying their nightlife, like The Village.
(Bobby@sunstar.com.ph/09193181404)
(May 16, 2005 issue)
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