PCAC mulls new mobile cars, 2-way radios for city cops

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Coordinating and Advisory Council sees the need to acquire more police vehicles and communication equipment to effectively fight against criminality.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, PCAC chairman, said there is a need to augment the number of police cars and communication equipment to facilitate efficient and immediate response.

“Matud pa nila, in so far as the Cebu City police department is concerned, there are only twelve (12) functional mobile patrols. And ikaduha, there’s also a problem with communication,” Labella said.

According to the vice mayor, the policemen assigned in the field should be equipped with mobility and communication.

“Beat patrol should be properly equipped with communication para makadagan dayon,” Labella added.

Labella said that there were instances that a crime is committed within striking distance from beat patrol policemen but because of lack of communication equipment they are not able to respond immediately. 

“Kay usahay kono naa ra diay sa duol-duol pero wala maka-respond kay walay proper communication,” he said.

Labella said that it was the original plan of Mayor Michael Rama to provide additional vehicles for police visibility. In fact, it was included in the executive budget of the mayor but it was allegedly disapproved by the City Council.

The council has only approved P5.8 billion budget for 2014.

Labella said he will ask the PCAC to make a report before the City Council. The vice mayor also thought of asking the barangay officials to help in the maintenance of peace and order in their respective jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Labella said that he has already coordinated with the Integrated bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Cebu chapter to address the problem of jail decongestion.

“Once the IBP has given us the go signal that they will be collaborating with us, we will now go to the law schools (for their assistance),” he said.

In an earlier interview, Mae Elaine Bathan, president of the IBP-Cebu City chapter, said they are willing to provide legal assistance to the inmates, adding that decongestion has always been the objective of the IBP. 

“We are very much willing to partner with the Cebu City government with regards to this matter. We cannot just come in, man gud. They (others) have their own lawyers. Unless (they are) referred to us by the court or the cllient will come to us,” she said.

Presently, there are around 2,000 male inmates in the Cebu City Jail which is already beyond 100 percent of its capacity. (FREEMAN)