Zafra mulls review of security measures

CEBU, Philippines — Following the brazen pawnshop robbery incident over the weekend, the committee on peace and order of the Cebu City Council wants to revisit all existing ordinances pertaining to security measures of business establishments to ensure that these are properly implemented.

Councilor Philip Zafra, chairman of the committee, admitted the city officials were alarmed by the recent incident.

“Mao na’ng nagpatawag dayon si Mayor og meeting, ga-zoom meeting mi, tanang station commanders, of course the head sa CCPO, who really addressed this case at once nga masulbad dayon,” said Zafra.

Heavily armed robbers barged into Oro Sugbo Pawnshop and Jewelry Store on Colon Street in downtown Cebu City Saturday morning and carted away still undetermined amount of jewelry.

As seen on CCTV, the robbers completed the heist in less than five minutes.

With the incident, Zafra said it is high time to revisit the ordinances on implementing security parameters among business establishments to ensure that these are properly observed.

According to Zafra, they are set to meet with the Philippine Association of Detective & Protective Agency Operators (PADPAO) and heads of security of establishments to discuss this pressing matter.

Among the existing ordinances that Zafra highlighted is the installation of alarm devices among establishments, especially banks and pawnshops.

“Kanang mga alarm, kanang mga establishments especially mga pawnshop, naa gyud na silay mga device na connected sa mga kapulisan, ikapila nata nag-remind nila niini, and even kaning mga jeepneys or PUJs ato sad na sila apilon, kay naa tay ordinansa ani before,” said Zafra.

He also stated that installation of emergency lights on top of jeeps and taxis that would alert people in times of crime incidents will also be checked.

“Atong i-remind sila through media, nga kinahanglan working jud na kay katuyoan niana basta naay ongoing robbery pasigaon na nila, so tingali og nakalimot sila ana, naa nay ordinansa,” he said.

Zafra said that the CCTV requirement among establishments also needs a follow through. He said that some establishments reportedly refused to install these security devices to cut cost.

Zafra also noted some gasoline stations having no security personnel.  Possible amendments to these ordinances may be made such as providing stricter penalty to ensure compliance.

Meanwhile, Zafra said they have received countless requests for additional police visibility in their area.

“It is just sad na dili lang Cebu City but all over the country nagkuwang gyud atong kapulisan. But as to visibility, naa gyud ta, in fact, sa Colon area based sa crime clock nato naa tay gipang deploy gyud, sa may Metro and even sa Gaisano South area so ang nahitabo dirang dapita, ga-roving-roving ta but wala gyud matiming-ngi,” said Zafra.

Zafra said the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has already revisited their deployment plan to intensify their presence on the streets, especially in crime-prone areas. He assured the public that the city government is doing its best to find solutions to the security problem.

“Ang order sa atong mayor na kinahanglan ma sulbad kini in order to restore the confidence of the people sa atong mga police, dili lang kining robbery but kato sang shooting incident nga nakapatay tawon og police nato,” said Zafra. — (FREEMAN)