Cops beefing up intel vs. robbers

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Coordinating and Advisory Council assured the Cebu Bankers Association that the Cebu City Police Office is doubling its efforts to increase their intelligence capabilities.

CBA raised the concern over out-of-town robbery groups that threaten the security of their member banks and other establishments during the PCAC meeting yesterday.

Eugene Elizalde, Mayor Michael Rama’s representative in the PCAC, said the CBA was invited along with other groups of businessmen engaged in the money business, so the council will know their concerns regarding general security.

This is so they can solicit more ideas on how the police can help the banks prevent incidents of robberies.

“They have no problem with the security in the city in general since the police, through Sr. Supt. Melvin Buenafe, is well represented during their regular meetings. They are more concerned on the out-of-towners kay kasagaran sa mga manulisay, gikan sa laing lugar,” Elizalde.

Elizalde the group was assured that the intelligence capabilities of the police have been increased after they ordered Chief Insp. Romeo Santander of the City Intelligence Branch of the CCPO to double their efforts.

Elizalde said the CBA also asked for more police visibility within the Central Business District or in commercial areas.

Last month the Cabando robbery group from Ozamiz City tried to rob a bank teller inside a mall in Fuente Osmeña.

The attempt failed and the P1.2 million that the robbers took from the teller was recovered in full after two of the robbers were cornered. Two of the robbers were killed in the shootout while their leader, known as Junjun Cabando, escaped.

Meanwhile, PCAC also asked the City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention to submit an accomplishment report so the city will know how their programs are helping solve the city’s problem on prohibited drugs.

Elizalde said the PCAC wants to know how COSAP is quantifying its success after it implemented various programs to campaign against prohibited drugs among the youth.

He said the success rating will help the office determine if the programs are effective.

“Nindot kaayo ang ilang mga programa kay mag-hire sila’g talents, mag-drama sila sa mga sitios. But we want to know what they have reached so far in order for us to know where we should improve in our programs,” Elizalde said. – (FREEMAN)