Rama: Probe into SFI burglary to continue

CEBU, Philippines - The investigation into the Sinulog Foundation Inc. office burglary wherein P1.7 million in cash and items were taken will have to continue until the culprit is found, as ordered by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who is also the SFI chairman.

Rama also said that he welcomes the participation of the National Bureau of Investigation if Councilor Edgardo Labella's concerns shall be granted.

"What Edgar Labella did (requesting the help of NBI) was the right thing to do since there were issues about how it was handled by the police," Rama said.

Rama met with Cebu City Police Office chief Ramon Melvin Buenafe and station commanders including special unit chiefs yesterday for a command conference which was cut short due to the earthquake that rocked Cebu City.

But before they were interrupted, Rama was able to give instructions that the investigation of the burglary must continue even if the fiscal dismissed the case against the initial suspect.

"I emphasized to them that we cannot stop from here. It can never happen that a crime is committed but no culprit is identified," Rama said.

He asked the CCPO to submit a copy of their findings so far about the case because he wants to report it to the SFI Board of Trustees.

Amidst reports that the police mishandled the investigation of the case, Rama said he has not lost trust and confidence in the police yet.

"We cannot blame them solely for it. We've seen how they've been well in handling the Sinulog (grand parade). My advice to them is to sustain their good performance," Rama said.

Rama also reminded, with the hint of a warning, that any crime committed in Cebu must be justified by the station commander where the crime took place, otherwise they can be removed from their post.

The mayor said he is on track with what is happening in Cebu like the recent ambush of a lawyer's wife in Talisay City.

"I don't want to hear about robberies, ambush, carnapping in your own jurisdiction. It's a matter of managing your station. If a crime happened in your jurisdiction, you must justify where your police have been hanging around all the while," Rama said.

Rama said the city government provided them motorcycles for increased mobility in responding to crimes and he expects them to help in maintaining peace and order in Cebu City.  (FREEMAN)