Law penalizing kibitzers at crime scene pushed

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The City Council is now studying the passage of an ordinance that would penalize "usiseros" or kibitzers who breach the police line at crime scenes.

The Iloilo City Police Office, through its director, Sr. Supt. Marietto Valerio, sent a letter to Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, requesting the city to have an ordinance for the purpose.

Attached to the letter were news clipping on the ordinance of Manila City, and memorandum from PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame encouraging the passage of such ordinance to assist crime scene responders.

"Please advise the officer-in-charge DIDM to issue a memorandum to all regional directors to encourage their mayors to adopt this course," the PNP memo, dated last September 28 reads.

On October 6, Mabilog endorsed the police's letter to the City Council for action, and it was in turn referred to the committee on police matters and public safety chaired by Councilor Joshua Alim.

In yesterday's session, Alim said the proposal will not only help crime scene investigators but also the victims, especially during fire incidents.

"This will help both the crime scene responders and victims, especially during a fire because you may think that these people (kibitzers) are there to help you but you will later realize that they already stole your belongings," Alim said. (FREEMAN)