Friday, November 24, 2006 Dad proposes awards for cops who foiled bank robbery By Albert B. Lacanlale
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Following the successful arrest of suspected bank robbers last Wednesday, Councilor Ruperto Dumlao is now filing a resolution before the City Council to give recognition to policemen involved in the operation.
Dumlao said the recommendation befits the San Fernando policemen who performed their duties well, leading to the neutralization of a six-man gang that victimized the Union Bank branch in Barangay San Agustin here.
Due to the speedy response of the city police headed by Superintendent Audie Atienza, the suspected robbers were not able to flee with the loot. Three of the gang members were killed in a brief firefight while the three others are now facing criminal cases.
The councilor said that had it not for the well-executed operation, the alleged thieves may have run away with their misfits at the expense of innocent civilians.
With the incident, he said the city police may have set a stern warning against criminals who are planning to pounce on civilians especially in the advent of the holiday season.
Dumlao, who chairs the City Council committee on peace and order, said his committee would make sure that all deserving policemen in the city be cited for their heroism and vowed his support in recommending promotions for them.
"We need to encourage our policemen in working selflessly for the sake of the citizenry," Dumlao said.
He said he has already recommended to Mayor Oscar Rodriguez the purchase of 10 units of motorcycles for the city police in helping them run after criminals or respond to any emergency.
Being a former policeman himself, Dumlao said he is closely coordinating with the city police to determine what equipment the City Government could provide to increase their capability in crime prevention and response.
Recently, the City of San Fernando (P) Water District and the City Government commended several city policemen for the arrest of suspects in the series of water meter thefts in the city, particularly in Barangay Lourdes.
Among those awarded for their accomplishment were Senior Inspector Romy Magtoto, Senior Police Officer (SPO3) Efren Diaz; SPO1s Jesus Torres, Durente Lising and Noel Miranda; and PO2 Vidal Lingat.
The PNP has, at present, further strengthened its force to ensure safety and security in the city. Its intelligence operations have been augmented for quick arrest of criminals and to conduct checkpoints day and night in the city's busy areas to combat robberies.
