CEBU, Philippines – Police in Talisay City have identified possible suspects to the fatal snatching incident last week on Cebu South Coastal Road at the South Road Properties in Barangay San Roque.
However, Superintendent Germano Mallari, chief of Talisay City police, refused to divulge their identities so as not to hamper the ongoing manhunt operation.
Mallari, nonetheless, said they are not discounting the possibility that those behind the incident could be members of a notorious robbery group operating in Metro Cebu.
He said they have also tapped other police units in Cebu City to help them identify the snatchers.
What happened
Last Friday morning, the two suspects, who were onboard a black motorcycle, were reportedly tailing the motorcycle driven by Ruel Cabusas, 34, with his girlfriend Lea Jane Desamparado and sister Elvie as passengers.
Cabusas and company were then heading for work in Mandaue City.
Moments later, the suspects drove alongside Cabusas and the backrider suddenly grabbed Elvie’s bag, said Mallari.
As Elvie and the snatcher struggled, Cabusas reportedly lost control of his motorcycle until the victims got slammed into the pavement.
The suspects quickly fled from the scene after.
Cabusas, who sustained severe injuries, was later declared dead on arrival at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center while the injured sisters were still recuperating at the Talisay City District Hospital.
Outposts
To avoid similar incidents, Mallari has recommended putting up outposts in chokepoint areas of the city to easily corner criminals.
He said he will be coordinating with the barangay and city officials in implementing the plan and to lobby for its funding.
Mallari, however, expressed concerns on the additional police personnel that will be needed to man these outposts.
"Gamay ra gyud kaayo mi og pwersa busa kung mahitabo na nga naa na’y outposts, mangita gyud mi og paagi ani nga naa gyu'y police nga mag-stand by diha," he said.
Talisay City currently has a police-people ratio of 1 to 3,000, which means only one officer is available to ensure the safety of every 3,000 people. This is way below the standard ratio of 1 to 500.
City Councilor Edward Alesna, chairman of Committee on Peace and Order, told The FREEMAN he will bring up Mallari's recommendation in their next committee meeting to possibly include it in the allocations.
This as the City Council is currently in the process of deliberating on the annual budget for next year. (FREEMAN)