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Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Malig: A toast to Mabalacat cops
By Jun A. Malig
Cognition
GIVE credit to whom (or where) the credit is due.
In the case of the foiled armed robbery and about seven-hour hostage-taking drama at the Western Union branch in front of Jollibee fast food outlet along McArthur Highway in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga last Saturday, let me congratulate Superintendent Renato Soria, Chief Inspector Louie Tan, and the other police officers of my hometown for their instantaneous response. Their timely arrival at the scene of the crime eventually led to the surrender of five non-Kapampangan suspects.
As many already know, what could have been a bloody hostage-taking drama ended in the peaceful surrender of the five suspects who tried to rob the Western Union branch. The well-armed suspects -- who carried with them two .45 caliber and two 9mm caliber pistols -- took hostage the money transfer firm’s three employees (two females and a male) and its security guard for barely seven hours.
A text message from the regional police office in Camp Olivas around 6:30 p.m. last Saturday identified the suspects as Randy Le Dason, 29, single, of Cabuyao, Laguna; Wilfredo Chavinia, 39, single, of Oras, Eastern Samar; Nelio Dawilas, 27, married, of Fairview, Quezon City; Jaymar Reyes, 33, married, of Las Piñas; and Abe Nungay, 32, married, of Novaliches.
It was learned that the suspects gained entry into the money transfer office by posing as customers shortly before noon last Saturday. Once inside, they overpowered the lone security guard and took his service shotgun and announced the hold-up. Fortunately, it was reported that a customer (or a would-be customer) was able to notice what was happening inside the establishment and immediately reported the incident in a police station located just about 400 meters from the Western Union branch.
Policemen rushed to the area, forcing the suspects to hole-up inside the establishment and taking hostage the employees and the security guard.
Reports stated that during the course of negotiation with policemen, the suspects stressed that they would surrender only to GMA 7 reporter Susan Enriquez. They said they fear for their lives and that they would surrender to nobody but her.
Authorities were able to contact Enriquez, who arrived in the area around 4 p.m. And Along with Mayor Marino Morales, she helped in negotiating the suspects’ surrender. At around 5 p.m. or after about seven hours, the hostage-taking drama that paralyzed traffic along the national highway in Barangay Dau, was over. The suspects surrendered peacefully.
Again, let me congratulate the policemen in my hometown for effectively performing their sworn duties to protect people’s lives and properties. Local officials led by Mayor Boking and the provincial and regional police officials and men who took part in the effort to free the hostages unharmed also deserve commendation. And, of course, the person or persons who reported the robbery to the police should be recognized. Citizens’ vigilance, coupled with effective police measures, is indeed the best defense against criminal elements.
* * * * *
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has appealed to motorcycle riders to take safety measures and become more responsible drivers.
LTO officials noted that non-wearing of helmets, overloading (with two or three back-riders), over speeding, occupying the opposite lane, overtaking from the right, and other related “dangerous” habits is now prevalent among motorcyclists. The agency also noted that parents allow their children aged 12 to 17 to ride motorcycles or fast scooters along busy highways.
“Una, siguradong walang lisensiya ang mga batang ito dahil nga underage. At kung maaksidente, definitely walang makukuhang benepisyo dahil nga illegal,” an LTO official was quoted as saying.
Statistics show that most victims of motorcycle accidents were not wearing helmets, over speeding and were ignoring traffic rules. I’m sure that strict implementation of existing traffic laws by both the LTO and local police would somehow minimize the growing number of motorcycle accidents along the road.
(September 5, 2006 issue)
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