Task Force Colon proven effective

CEBU, Philippines - Shortly after its launching, elements of the “Task Force Colon” arrested a suspected snatcher in front of Colonnade Mall on Colon Street Thursday afternoon.

Raymond Merillos, 18, a resident of Colon Street, was apprehended past 12 p.m. for snatching the necklace of Purita Solomon, 70, of Lapu-Lapu City.

Just last Monday, the task force has already arrested four suspected snatchers along the stretch of the country’s oldest street. The Cebu City Police Office has deployed 46 new police officers since two weeks ago in the area.

The Task Force Colon, which was formally launched on Thursday, is seen as one of the solutions to the increasing crimes in the city’s downtown area.

Sto. Niño barangay captain Pancho Ramirez said that the project is a big help to them and to the public.

Also in response to Ramirez’ complaint, the CCPO is now conducting an investigation against an individual who allegedly raises children who are responsible for the snatching and other forms of petty crimes in Colon.

CCPO director Patrocinio Comendador said the investigation is good because if the said individual is arrested, his activity of sending the minors to do crimes would be stopped.

However, the police official said the number of the kids is not that big because based on the information the police has gathered, there are only around five to six minors being “raised up” by the said person, who is the one who disposes the items snatched or stolen by the kids, who in turn, receive “commission” after the items are sold.

Comendador said that to lessen the petty crimes happening on Colon, they have come up with the idea to deploy more police officers in the area.

He added CCPO will also be deploying more police personnel in Barangay Tejero, particularly on M.J. Cuenco Avenue where jeepney robberies usually happen. — Niña G. Sumacot/WAB