Lack of support hurts cops efficiency in Toledo

CEBU, Philippines -  The Toledo City police admitted that the lack of logistical support from the local government unit is affecting their crime solution efficiency.

The city’s police chief, Michael Bastes, said he and his men are already doing their very best to normalize the functions of the police office despite the absence of support from the local government.

Bastes, who had been the city’s chief of police for the past six months, said that no financial assistance was given to the police to augment his peace and order programs.

Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 provides that local government shall support the maintenance of the peace and order to preserve the comfort and convenience of its inhabitants.

The city has been in the limelight lately because of the series of shooting incidents.

A week ago, Capitan Claudio Barangay Captain Alexander Alqueza was wounded while his live-in partner, councilwoman Irene Wamilda, was killed in an ambushed by three unidentified men in Barangay Carmen, Toledo City.

Last Sunday afternoon, Lilia Pellerin was sitting outside her house when she was shot several times. Pellerin, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds but is now in stable condition, is the mother of Marlene Gonzales, former Capitan Claudio barangay treasurer.

Bastes said that the gasoline allocation for their official vehicles was already cut off.

“For a city, we need to be on the go, our assistance from Crame has not yet arrived, me and my own men are even paying for the gasoline of our motorcycles to ensure mobility and fast response,” Bastes said.

Aside from the shooting incidents, the police also have to address robbery, theft, and drug problems in the city.

“I wouldn’t mind being replaced if my performance is now being watched because we really tried our best,” Bastes said.

Toledo City Mayor John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña said it is not only the services of the police department that is currently being jeopardized.

“It is very sad but true, the whole City of Toledo is falling apart. Other than the peace and order, there is the health service, no money goes into the hospital because unfortunately, the seven councilors are still hooked to the politics mentality,” Osmeña said.

He said the Department of Interior and Local Government has to step in cases like this.

Osmeña is apparently referring to the 2014 proposed budget in the amount of P656 million which until now is still pending before the committee on budget and appropriations chaired by Councilor Helen Jill Espinosa of the opposition bloc.

Aside from the amount for the proposed annual budget, there is also a separate appropriation of P400 million under the city’s Annual Investment Plan; P200 million representing the P20 percent Development Plan and P120 million for the disaster risk reduction and management fund. (FREEMAN)