Lapu-Lapu City told: Maintain peace

CEBU, Philippines - Regional police deputy director Senior Superintendent Louie Oppus has challenged the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office to double its efforts to maintain the city’s peace and order.

“Lapu-Lapu is a big city and it’s a challenge for every policeman how to handle peace and order,” said Oppus, the former chief of then Lapu-Lapu City Police Station.

Oppus’ statement came after a series of crime incidents sweeping the city of late.

On April 6, eight employees of M. Lhuillier Pawnshop were robbed by at least six armed men near the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

On June 9, Fernando Canillo, an alleged member of Kuratong Baleleng Gang, was shot dead together with his live-in partner Emma Beronguis and their 3-year-old son in Barangay Babag 2.

The massacre also injured Ricric Laraño, a relative of Beronguis, who sustained a gunshot wound to his neck.

Responsible for the crime were reportedly the former cohorts of Canillo. A certain Ricky Cadavero was identified as one of the suspects.

Four days later, a 17-year-old deaf-mute was found dead in a secluded area of sitio Masulog, Barangay Basak. She was believed to have been raped before she was murdered.

Reynante Limpangog, 21; Fiel Pinoti, 19; and Elgie Mesa, 18, were arrested by the Lapu-Lapu City police. The fourth suspect, Julius de Guzman, remains at large.

Oppus said that a change for the betterment of the city should start with the police and public officials.

“If they’ll start it, they’ll see the people are with them,” he said.

Senior Superintendent Anthony Obenza, for his part, told The FREEMAN that they are doing their best to give what is best for the city.

He said he encouraged his men to do what is required them to do even if they lack the manpower. — (FREEMAN)