Talisay cops lack equipment to fight crimes — official

CEBU, Philippines — Talisay City police still lack the equipment and resources to fight against crimes or to respond to crisis situations, according to the newly-installed city police chief.

Superintendent Jason Villamater, chief of Talisay police, said his officer sustained gunshot wound to his left face while raiding the residence of Jessie Largo, an alleged notorious hitman who had been subject of manhunt operation since August.

Largo was eventually killed in a shootout with the police last week in Sitio Aromahan, Barangay Dumlog in Talisay City. He was the prime suspect in the killing of Jhon Ronli Calizar, son of Philippine Information Agency information officer, Ferliza Contratista.

Had there been sufficient equipment and protective gears like ballistic shield and tear gas during the operation, the lives of Police Officer 3 David Narraja and other responding operatives would not be put at risk, Villamater said.

For his part, Mayor Eduardo Gullas vowed to provide the city's police equipment, especially protective gears.

The mayor told Villamater to submit a list of equipment they needed.

Gullas found out during last week's general meeting with Villamater about their lack of equipment.

Gullas said the city has enough funds to purchase equipment for the police.

At present, Villamater has yet to finalize the equipment. But the initial list includes portable chainsaw, drone, and fiber optics.

"I am trying to identify kung ano pa ang mga kakulangan ng ating Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. Nag search din ako ng available equipment kasi mahirap na kung hindi available din dito, "he said.

Aside from protective gears and other equipment, the city government is also set to purchase two patrol cars for the city police within the month. Each vehicle costs around P800,000.

Moreover, the city government will also give financial aid to Naraja. Gullas initially gave his personal money worth P20,000 to the police officer. (FREEMAN)