Wednesday, December 12, 2007 City to go after gangs By Edmund B. Sestoso
SENSING that its previous "tolerant" approach to various gangs in the city irritated residents, the City of Dumaguete has taken a stronger position and will coordinate with police to "wipe" them out.
The City Government headed by Mayor Agustin Perdices came out with an official declaration that it is backing the local police in their fight against crimes including the sprouting gang wars.
Dumaguete Police Chief Dionardo Carlos warned members of warring gangs "Bloods" and "Crips" they will face arrests and appropriate cases filed against them in court if they continue with their street wars.
Early in the middle of this year, Mayor Agustin Perdices had brokered a "peace pact" with the two groups that critics dubbed as "inappropriate."
Some sectors said the peace pact appeared as an indirect recognition of the two groups.
The police chief said during that time, his office and that of the local government were serious in addressing the problem of gangs.
"Yet, it was only ignored by the concerned warring gangs," Carlos added.
Dumaguete City Administrator Dominador Dumalag Jr. admitted there was a "commotion" during the city fiesta celebration that was brought about by warring individuals identified as both "Bloods" and "Crips".
Carlos said the incident earned for the gangs the wrath of the police who told them to beware of the consequences of their actions.
The police declaration has earned support from the City Government.
