Sunday, September 10, 2006
City has most number of gang wars in S. Mindanao
By Barbara Carla R. Quiero
AN OFFICIAL of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Southern Mindanao said Davao City has the most number of gang war incidents in the region.
PNP-Southern Mindanao Police Information Office chief Belflor B. Causing said gang war incidents happen almost everyday in the city.
He said compared to last year, incident of gang wars have increased by 10 percent.
Causing said from January to August 25 this year, a total of 26 gang war incidents was recorded with six persons arrested, age 15 to 20.
"Almost everyday we have reported cases of victims being stabbed, even killed because of gang war. We almost do not miss one incident everyday," Causing said at the Kapihan sa PIA press conference Friday.
From January to August, Causing said around 30 to 40 deaths have been recorded by the PNP due to gang war.
Causing said deaths usually occur when one member of a gang is seen alone by a group of a rival gang.
However, Causing said large-scale gang war encounters in the city occurred less than five times from January to August.
According to him, gang war incidents are more rampant in Boulevard and Agdao areas.
"More on places near slum areas, but not at the center of the city," he said referring to prevalent areas of gang wars.
In order to prevent gang wars, Causing said the police have enhanced their visibility in areas where gang wars are prevalent and intensify their intelligence gathering.
"We also try to involve not only the family, organizations, but, even the church in guiding these kids who are involved in gang wars," he said.
Causing said those involved in gang wars are those youth whose parents are usually out of the house due to work and do not have time to tend and discipline their children.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (September 10, 2006 issue)
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