Police reactivates A-SHOT to counter gang violence

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Police Office will reactivate its Anti-Street Hoodlum Operating Team (A-SHOT) starting next week to address the escalating number of gang-related violence in the city.

CPPO Director Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said the six-man team will focus on areas where gangs usually assemble like in Barangays Carreta, Tejero, Guadalupe, Sambag 2, Labangon, Pardo, Calamba, Banawa, Kalubihan, and along Panganiban Street.

Comendador said the team’s mandate is 80 percent enforcement and 20 percent advocacy. The different police stations and barangays officials will also help in pushing the advocacy against gang-related violence.

A-SHOT, headed by Sr. Insp. Bonifacio Garciano, is tasked to implement search and arrest warrants against gang members, especially their leaders, who figure in gang-related violence.

The number of gang-related violence has reportedly increased every year.

“Sukad man gud 2007 to 2008, gang in the city is viewed as a problem. Nakita nato na we really have to address this problem,” Comendador said.

Comendador said even his men have sworn not to involve their children in gangs and fraternities.

“Our enforcement and advocacy should start in CCPO,” Comendador said.

A-SHOT was created in February 2008 after Crips gang members shot and killed a graduating nursing student in Barangay Capitol Site. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO   FREEMAN NEWS)