Cebu killings may be used as midterm elections issue

CEBU, Philippines — Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 said it would be cautious in issuing statements about the killings in Cebu, as this issue might just be used as leverage for publicity by poll candidates.

Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas, director of PRO-7, told The FREEMAN in a text message, said that they will, however, answer statements hurled by politicians only if necessary.

“We are (wary), however, we will not issue any comment unless necessary in order not to further the publicity of certain politicians,” Sinas said in a text message.

Sinas previously stated an example the accusations hurled by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña which he considers as a political stunt meant to generate publicity for his candidacy in the midterm elections.

Osmena and the police forces in the region had a rift since the killings in Cebu spiked in the previous months, with the former saying that it was Sinas and Cebu City Police Office Director Royina Garma’s fault.

“Ikaw if wala na ka lain issues, and tan-aw nimo medyo kusog ang killings, musakay pud ka, and also gusto niya (Osmeña) ipagawas nga giunhan siya,” he said in an interview last week with The FREEMAN.

Sinas said that PRO-7 will not engage in politics and will opt to remain mum on any other criticisms which other candidates might throw at them.

He said he is taking positively those accusations and criticisms from politicians.

Sinas also said that although he becomes frustrated over the attacks the police force is receiving, it should not be a reason for the whole PRO-7 to get demoralized.

“We will receive it, take action on what we see na kulang pa. What I will remind to my mind is trabaho lang gyud no matter what others are saying,” he said.

Sinas added they are now engaging vital stake holders in the community and business groups to assure that Cebu remains as a safe place to live and do business in. (FREEMAN)