Rama defends cops in Innova accidents

Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday defended the police on the recent road accidents involving the Toyota Innova patrol cars.

This, after the couple whose vehicle was hit by one of the city’s patrol cars said they are planning to file charges against the policemen.

“Based on the circumstances, it was a call of duty situation. It was purely an accident,” Rama said.

Franz and Vanessa Villalonga were on board a Volkswagen and were on their way to a fast food outlet along Fuente Osmeña in the morning of November 25 when a speeding patrol car driven by PO1 Norman Patindol rammed their vehicle. The patrol car, which was responding to an armed person alarm, went against the traffic flow to make a short cut to B. Rodriguez Street.

The other day, Franz and his mother went to the National Bureau of Investigation to signify their interest to file charges against the policemen involved for allegedly showing no interest to shoulder the expenses of damage caused by the incident.

Aside from their damaged vehicle, Franz said that his wife was also injured and had to be hospitalized.

Rama said that while he believes that what happened was purely accident, he would have the policemen involved explain during the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council meeting. He also wants to know if the drivers of the patrol cars have undergone dirving seminars or if they know how to drive safely.

“I would like to remind them to be extra careful. I can personally discuss with them, common sense man gud na,” he said. “They should know unsa ang deperensya sa makabalo mag-drive ug unsaon pag-drive.”

Rama said that the drivers of the police cars in the city should learn defensive driving, which is “proactive and anticipatory.”

He said that it is also a challenge to the Land Transportation Office to make sure that all those who are issued with driver’s licenses have undergone seminar and know how to drive. — Wenna A. Berondo/QSB