CITY Mayor Oscar Moreno over the weekend said he has great trust and confidence that the police force of Cagayan de Oro will conduct the anti-tambay campaign properly, but assured the public that any reports of abuses will be looked into.
Reports had surfaced that police have been arresting individuals indiscriminately, even those who supposedly had not violated City Ordinance 5133-95 which prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in public places.
Moreno said he expected this reaction from the public.
“Dili man gyud tanan malipay (Not everybody will be happy), we expected that but we need cooperation more than ever because it will be a lost opportunity if all of these advances in addressing criminality will be put to waste. We have a president that has this focus so we should take advantage of that in solving these problems,” he said.
Despite the reported complaints at the City Council, Moreno said he had never heard of the alleged human rights abuses.
“If there are abuses, ako mismo ang una moreklamo (I will be the first one to complain), if there will be extra-judicial killings I will also be the first one to raise this issue. Klaro man among arrangement ni Colonel Aganon (I have a clear arrangement with Colonel Aganon), I never favored killings and other abuses,” he said.
Moreno also welcomed some city councilors’ move to amend the ordinance as what constitutes public or private areas continue to confuse police officers.
The chief executive said he is confident that law enforcers are trying their best to avoid abuses, but also reminded the public that they too have responsibilities, citing that human rights is not absolute.
“I leave that to the city council, if they want to amend it then let it be, but I expect that if they do that, they will make the necessary consultations,” he said.
“But while the ordinance is still in place, let's follow it, it has to be observed,” he added.
Committee meetings at the city council have yet to commence, but already, City Councilor Romeo Calizo, the chairman for police, fire, and public safety said he will call for a committee meeting anytime next week with the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office to clarify the police's enforcement of the City Ordinance 5133-95 which prohibits drinking alcohol in public places.