Aguilar warns cops: Stop crimes or face relief

Following a daring bank robbery earlier this week, Mayor Vergel Aguilar ordered the Las Piñas City police yesterday to intensify its crime prevention measures in the locality.

He warned city police chief Superintendent Joseph Angan and all precinct commanders that he would relieve them from their posts if they fail.

Aguilar’s statement came after receiving reports of an increase in crimes and after a group of heavily armed men robbed a rural bank in Barangay Pulang Lupa last Monday.

He said he will recommend the filing of charges or the removal of any police officer who fails to maintain peace and order in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

“I will not tolerate negligence on the part of our law enforcers as safety and protection of our people must take precedence at all times,” Aguilar said.

He took note of allegedly mounting complaints of crimes like cellular phone snatching, drug pushing, “akyat-bahay,” and the robbery at the First Marco Bank, wherein the suspects escaped with some P30,000 in cash and  valuables.

Aguilar said the increasing number of youths hooked on illegal drugs prompted him to order the police to  enforce and intensify surveillance and security measures.

His warning also came with the creation of Task Force Kaayusan, which will conduct surveillance operations, gather information, and closely coordinate with the police in its anti-crime operations in the city.

Barangay chairmen were also reminded to mobilize their respective tanods in the monitoring and implementation of their own community-based security measures.

Aguilar called on homeowners’ associations in all of the city’s villages and subdivisions to cooperate with the police in the maintenance of peace and order.

He advised residents to call 117 or 871-8221 for immediate police assistance during emergencies or when they have information to relay that would help solve crimes.

Angan, for his part, assured Aguilar that his men are working double-time to address the problem through a number of initiatives.

“We are doing everything we can. We are conducting saturation drives, increasing police visibility, conducting patrol operations, and are taking legal offensives,” he told The STAR in an interview.