Cops dared to solve drive-by shooting

Following another drive-by shooting in the city, Vice Mayor Michael Rama challenged the police to do their best to solve the incident.

Specifically, Rama said police should exert extra effort to solve fraternity violence and arrest the alleged Alpha Kappa Rho fratman Arestotle “Ares” Aves, who has been tagged as the prime suspect in the drive-by shooting in the city last month.

The vice mayor said that he is also negotiating with security agencies to use security guards as auxiliary police.

Rama, chairman of the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council said lack of personnel should not be an excuse for the failure of the police to address the surging fraternity violence problem in the city.

“It’s not an excuse. That’s why they have to work with the barangay officials because the matter should be addressed at the barangay level,” he said, “ang best thing ana, it’s the first mandate for the new term of elected barangay officials.”

He said that the police, barangay officials, sitio leaders, tanods, Barangay Intelligence Networks, Parish Security Groups, and other groups in the barangay should act together.

Schools should also help discourage students from joining fraternities and gangs.

Rama admitted that while the incidents of drive-by shootings is a cause for concern, he is confident that this will not affect the image of the city especially to investors.

The other night Giovanni Navarro, 23, and his 17-year-old cousin were wounded after men riding a multicab shot them in barangay Tisa.  Police have blamed the incident on fraternity/gang violence.

The two were rushed to the hospital and are now out of danger.

Last month, four men were killed and eight others were also wounded in a drive-by shooting by two men on a motorcycle.  Police investigation pointed to Aves as the assailant.  The City Hall has offered a P300,000 bounty for his arrest.  - Wenna A. Berondo/BRP