Saturday, June 16, 2007 SM City Iloilo is safe for shoppers: police By Ruby P. Silubrico
ILOILO City Police Director Wesley Barayuga on Friday declared SM City Iloilo located in Mandurriao district, “safe for shoppers,’ contrary to reports that it became a center for criminal elements.
Barayuga also sacked a certain report in a local newspaper, in “misquoting” him of saying that SM City Iloilo needs to safeguard its center from criminals on a tryst in the said mall, like swindlers.
“I never said nor meant that SM City Iloilo is not safe from criminals like swindlers. Nor did I say that looters are on a rendezvous in the mall. The latest incident (Budol-budol member victimized a shopper) was only an isolated case,” Barayuga said.
He was referring to Genaro Alipio, 72, of Pooc, Talisay, Cebu, who was arrested by some security guards of SM City after swindling from an old woman from Dingle, Nenita Dacocol.
Alipio and his lady companion got P20,000 cash of Dacocol after “sweet talking” her.
The two placed US$200 in a bag which they asked Dacolcol to watch over as they left to “get dried squid” for the woman. It was later discovered that there was no dollars inside but only bundles of newspapers instead.
Barayuga said SM City has more than 100 security guards in a single shift “and are very snappy and cautious in protecting their customers.”
He however admitted that he has recommended that a camera monitor be used in the mall.
Barayuga said SM City has closed-circuit TV monitors and metal detectors in all its entrances as per observation and visit to the mall earlier this week. “What I said was that they use a camera to further enhance their security and not for any other reason,” he added.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas always asserts that the businesses in the city are safe from lawless elements as the city police are doing their best in keeping the metropolis free from criminals who were out to break the city’s dream to become a premier city in 2015. (RPS with reports from Lory Ann Bilbao)
