POLICE personnel assigned to monitor the bridges that connect Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities need special training, particularly on how to manage depressed individuals and talk them out of killing themselves.
Mandaue City Police Director Jonathan Abella said Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, police need proper training in handling such sensitive and dangerous situations. The police were able to save a 16-year-old girl from jumping off the Marcelo Fernan Bridge on Sunday night, but Abella saw the need for training on the professional way of dealing with depressed individuals.
Abella said he will coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for this.
For now, the police will continue to watch the bridges to comply with the directive of Police Regional Director Debold Sinas following several incidents of persons killing themselves in those areas, he added.
Two policemen are assigned to monitor each bridge from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Meanwhile, Cebu City Police Director Gemma Vinluan warned bar owners not to sell liquor to minors or allow illegal drug transactions inside their establishments.
She said the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act makes it illegal for an establishment, whether a hotel, restaurant, or bar, to allow minors or teenagers inside.
“We should not just be customer-oriented but responsible establishment owners as well. You can question them, even teenagers, as to why they are in your establishment with someone who does not seem to be their parent or family member,” she said. (ANV/WBS)