THE Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has instructed all 11 station commanders to explain the recent spate of shooting incidents in the city.
From July 1, 2021 to July 25, the CCPO recorded 17 shooting incidents. As a result, the CCPO transferred majority of the deployment of patrol teams from daytime to nightime, specifically from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
However, after 47-year-old radio blocktimer Reynante “Rey” Cortes was shot dead at 9 a.m. outside the radio dyRB studio in Barangay Mambaling on Thursday, July 22, the CCPO decided to deploy a patrol team during the day and another team to patrol at night.
CCPO Deputy Director for Operation Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla said they will do their best to put a stop to the shootings that led to the deaths of several individuals involved in illegal drugs.
As to Cortes’ murder, the CCPO has formed a special investigation task group to determine if his killing was related to his work as a freelance broadcaster and identify the perpetrators behind the attack.
If the shootings continue, especially in areas where a previous shooting had taken place, then the station commander of that area will have to explain why the problem has not been addressed,” Parilla said.
“After this kaning deployment nato nga nag-strategize nata if ever naa pay shooting incident na mahitabo, specially katong duna nay mga previous shooting incident, so we will require atong mga chief of police nga mu-explain nganong duna gihapon mga shooting incident,” Parilla said.
Acting Mayor Michael Rama urged the police to solve the shooting incidents as soon as possible.
Rama said an increase in police visibility can serve as a deterrent against crime.
Parilla promised families of the victims that they would solve the cases. (AYB / KAL)