Cops say snatching in Talisay not alarming

CEBU, Philippines —  The Talisay City police revealed Sunday that snatching incidents in the city is still at manageable level.

The police assessed the incidents to be not alarming after they arrested three alleged notorious snatchers in just a week.

“Dili man sya alarming kay sa Talisay it’s a big city and nag loosen up atong restrictions, ang mga tawo nanggawas na, so ang kining mga snatchers pud, nagdungan pud silag pagpanggawas kay naa namay pwedeng mabiktima nila,” said Talisay City Police Station chief Randy Caballes.

Just for the week, the station was able to arrest four snatchers during a buy-bust operation. According to Caballes, this was however found out right after their validation.

On March 12, the police filed charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Acts of 2002 and illegal possession of unlicensed firearms against Mac Gerald Abella before the prosecutor's office.

On March 17, another two alleged snatchers were arrested during another buy-bust operation in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City. During their arrest, packs of suspected shabu were also seized from them.

Despite this, Caballes said the police are still in control in preventing these incidents in the city and that the incidents of snatching could occur everywhere.

“Dili gyud siya ana ka alarming sa cases kay kontrolado man lang gihapon sa kapolisan,” said Caballes.

“Nothing to worry ana kay normal (snatchers) ra sila, if naay snatchers madakpan ra man na sila kay mamaligya silage drugs, madakpan ra sad sila,” he added

Further, Caballes said they have also anticipated before that since the city will be put into lower restrictions, snatchers could also occur. He, however, added that since they arrested a few, this corresponds to a manageable level.

In their assessment, Caballes said the average number of snatching incidents they could receive in a month is from three to four.

“Naa sad tay physical injuries (reports), but dili jud ing-ana ka high number ang snatching kay magmatngon naman sad na sila,” he added.

In line with this, Caballes stated this would serve a reminder to all snatchers to stop and those who will be caught will face arrest immediately. — GMR (FREEMAN)