CPPO on alert against gangs in Minglanilla

CEBU, Philippines — The top official of Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) has ordered his men in Minglanilla town to intensify police patrolling in schools and areas identified as meeting places of gang members.

Last Sunday evening, Minglanilla police arrested three minors aged 16 and 17 who are alleged members of a gang known as 'Ages' after they allegedly shot another minor who is a member of their rival gang, 'Kalmado', in Plaza Maria, Barangay Poblacion Ward III.

Police Senior Superintendent Manuel Abrugena said they have confirmed that the area where the shooting happened is one of the places where gangs usually hang out.

"Paigtingin po ang patrolling sa ating eskwelahan at doon sa mga identified areas kung saan lage nag-stay itong mga kabataan na involved sa mga untoward incidents dito sa bayan ng Minglanilla," said Abrugena in a phone interview.

Abrugena also said that Minglanilla police, under the leadership of Chief Inspector Verniño Noserale, already tapped the barangay officials to help them in securing the areas by deploying tanods and force multipliers.

They have also met with the leaders of Alpha Kappa Rho (Akrho) and Tau Gamma Phi in Minglanilla who condemned the violent incidents in the town.

"We are also tapping the assistance of other private individuals para matigil kung hindi man ma-eradicate ay ma-minimize  itong mga nangyayaring ito," Abrugena said.

CPPO is also coordinating with school principals and guidance counselors to prevent initiation and hazing among school children.

Classes in public schools will start on Monday, June 4.

"Para mapag-ingatan ang students once nag-start ang school year, and to closely monitor yung school activities," Abrugena said. 

Abrugena said that aside from deploying cops in police assistance desks near schools, they will be distributing leaflets with tips on how to avoid joining suspicious groups.

 "We are issuing paalaala sa mga students and their guardians na mag-ingat po tayo sa pag-join ng mga group and then yun pong mga safety tips naipapamigay natin sa June 4, not primarily sa mga magulang pati na din sa mga studyante," he said.

Abrugena also stressed that cops will be patrolling in secluded areas in the provinces to prevent small gangs from recruiting children.

 "Nakipagpulong na ang mga barangay chairmen para paigtingin ang force multipliers para madagdagan ang presence ng kapulisan," he said. — Mae Clydyl L. Avila/MBG (FREEMAN)