CCPO steps up patrol, deployment after 16 shootings

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has further strengthened its patrol operations and police deployment from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in a bid to curb gun-related violence.

The move came after it reported 16 shooting incidents this month.

However, police station commanders are required to explain if a shooting transpired during this time.

"Despite sa atong adjustment, despite sa atong paghatag og personnel sa mga stations, so kun duna gihapo'y mahitabo nga shooting incident sa ilang area, we will require them to explain," said Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Parilla, CCPO deputy director for operations.

Parilla said the said security adjustments were enforced last Monday based on a crime clock, an analysis of when particular crimes happen at what time of the day.

He said most of the shooting incidents occurred late at night until the wee hours of the morning.

“Mostly of the shooting incidents transpired from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. So we adjusted our deployments and security adjustments,” he said.

Recently, acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ordered CCPO to immediately solve the shooting incidents in the city.

“The incidents are now disturbing the city’s peace and order. These should be addressed immediately and not be taken lightly,” he said.

Rama made the order following the death of radio commentator, Rey Cortes, who was shot dead in broad daylight on July 21, 2021, in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

Shortly after the shooting of Cortes, another shooting incident was reported in Barangay Calamba. In the past days, a spate of drug-related killings was also recorded in Mambaling.

Parilla vowed that city police will solve the incidents.

“Yes, ato nang gidawat nga ato gyud nang sulbaron," he said. — KQD (FREEMAN)