Tuesday, November 27, 2007 Rama pushes integrated solution to crime, tapping of security guards
TO ensure peace and order in all areas in Cebu City, Vice Mayor Michael Rama is pushing for an integrated approach in addressing criminality and wants to tap some 10,000 security guards working here.
Rama said the more than 800 police officers assigned in the city couldn’t work on the problem alone that is why he wants security guards, barangay officials and tanods, anti-crime groups and the parish security groups to be included in anti-criminality campaigns.
The vice mayor already discussed the matter with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Avelino Razon and the latter agreed with the concept, he told reporters yesterday.
Document
Razon reportedly asked Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Ronald Roderos to discuss with Rama how they can get the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators Inc. (Padpao) to help in the campaign against criminality.
Rama said he will also discuss with Roderos the need for a written legal document that will authorize Padpao-accredited security guards to act as an auxiliary group.
“The police should not look at security guards as second class citizens. They should not think that they are the only ones who should be solving the problem on criminality. There should be a coalition and all those who carry guns legally should be part of the force, especially those with training,” Rama said.
But the vice mayor will not go as far as encouraging private individuals who are trained to carry and use firearms to join the coalition.
When he informed Padpao about his plan, the vice mayor said its officials are open to the idea but need a memorandum from the PNP before the close to 10,000 security guards working in the city can be authorized to apprehend criminals.
Paranoid
The 10,000 security guards work on an eight-hour shift, which means there are 3,000 security guards who can be tapped at any given time, he said.
“There are 10,000 Padpao members in Cebu City and where are they? They are in the buildings 24 hours a day and these buildings are in the streets where the crimes happen. Why don’t we tap them?” Rama said.
In a news conference, the vice mayor said the public should continue to be paranoid about crimes and criminal groups, as the city police officials asked the media to tone down reports of shooting incidents.
Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Chief Patrocinio Commen-dador earlier appealed to the media for sobriety and not to sensationalize their reports so as not to create undue panic.
“I don’t agree with that. I’ve always said that the people should be paranoid when it comes to peace and order so they will be extra vigilant. Besides, you cannot help if people are paranoid because even the frat-related crimes have not been solved yet,” Rama added. (LCR)
