COUNCILOR Maylen Yaranon will bat for the closure of Labsan Alley in a bid to deter more crime in the area.
Yaranon said the resolution will be filed in next week’s regular session asking to remove the roof over the alley and install a gate on both ends, “so that it will only be used by residents and not open to the public.”
Yaranon said the suggestion of Baguio City Police Office acting city director Ramil Saculles was followed after he recommended the closure of the alley saying it gives criminals an opportunity to commit crimes.
The alley has been put into public scrutiny after the murder of the 16-year-old 10th grader from Pines City National High School last year.
The teener succumbed to at least forty stab wounds as he passed through the notorious shortcut on the fateful morning with his murderers carting his gadgets and lunch money.
The murder is yet to be resolved.
In Labsan street, reports given to SunStar Baguio reveal numerous students who have fallen victims to crimes like robbery, molestation and bullying, coercion to take in drugs with complaints being forwarded to the barangay with no action taken.
PCNHS students have been forewarned on using the shortcut which is notorious for petty crimes and is not the first time a death has occurred in the area.
Yaranon said an assessment by the police on crime and safety is ongoing and the council is ready to assist in facilitating the installation of CCTV’s and lighting for all walkways.