Police: Robbery gang spotted in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Police Office director Melvin Ramon Buenafe has alerted the public about the presence of a robbery group from the other regions in the city.

Buenafe said they have monitored the criminal elements believe to be members of the Cabando Robbery Gang which was responsible in the botched robbery inside an uptown mall last year.

 “Naay nakitaan nga mga criminal elements gikan sa laing regions. Some witness identified them that they are part of Cabando’s group,” Buenafe said. 

Buenafe has already alerted all police units in the city including the 11 police stations and other special units about the presence of the alleged robbery gang.

He also advised the public to be extra cautious during the Holy Week because of the possibility that the group might take advantage of the occasion.

Buenafe however assured the public that the police are doing everything to ensure the safety of the public during the Lenten activities. In fact, the entire police force had been in full alert since last week.

The police have beefed up the security measures in areas where people are expected to gather for the Holy Week activities.

He said more security personnel will be deployed at the Good Shepherd compound in Sitio Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe for the yearly Passion of the Cross on Good Friday and the traditional Sugat on Easter Sunday.

He said they are also tapping force multipliers from the Barangay Intelligence Network and the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team. Around 1, 000 volunteers are expected to join the police security contingent in the city to ensure a safe observance of the Holy Week.

The Armed Forces of the Philippine - Central Command has also promised additional personnel to augment the police force.

Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS) - 7 chief, Supt. Rex Derilo yesterday conducted a surprise inspection at the churches in the city.

Together with the members of the media, Derilo inspected the Basilica Del Santo Niño and the Metropolitan Cathedral to check whether strict security measures are being done inside.

Derilo was pleased to observe that the security guards at the Basilica are strictly implementing the proper security procedures at the church’s entrances.

He said similar strict security measures should be done consistently by major churches and establishments in the region for the safety of the public. Compromise, according to him, is not acceptable. – (FREEMAN)