Intelligene networking vs bank thieves urged

Metro Manila police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco ordered yesterday an intensified intelligence networking to neutralize bank robbers operating in the metropolis.

Velasco warned precinct and station commanders showing dismal performances in the campaign against criminality, especially street crimes, to shape up or face relief.

In his directive to Superintendent Miguel Laurel, officer-in-charge of the intelligence division of the National Capital Region Police Office and other intelligence units of the NCRPO, Velasco called for the seeking out of suspected bank robbers’ safehouses and raid them before they could pull off another heist. "We must look for their safe haven and arrest them before they could strike," said Velasco in an interview.

Bank robbers have struck five times early this year and the latest was the P1.5 million robbery at the Equitable-PCIBank branch in Makati City on April 5. The said robbery and the two other bank branches in Parañaque City was pulled off by remnants of the Kuratong Baleleng Gang, police said.

Three of the 30 suspects in the Makati City bank robbery were charged in court. But all of them were monitored to have gone into hiding in the provinces.

In a recent command conference, Velasco noted that a number of precinct and station commanders were remiss on their duties, particularly in the drive against criminality.

"As I have said before, those officers who have been performing poorly in managing their stations and precints and have not improved their performance will be replaced," said Velasco. – Non Alquitran