Arrest marks city police’s heightened effort vs shootings

CEBU, Philippines - On the day the government and police officials engaged in a dialogue to address the increasing number of shooting incidents in Barangay Inayawan, operatives of the City Intelligence Branch arrested a suspected thief armed with a handgun in the area Tuesday night.

Jujan Brigoli Apor, 21, was apprehended during an intensified police operation in Sitio Sampaguita, Barangay Inayawan at 10:30 p.m. last Tuesday.

Police recovered a caliber .38 revolver loaded with two rounds of live ammunitions and one empty shell on its cylinder from Apor’s possession.

Police also recovered a small pack of suspended shabu inserted into an empty candy wrapper when Apor was frisked.

During investigation, police found out that Apor was involved in several robbery holdup incidents in the barangay. 

Cebu City Police Office officer-in-charge, Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa, said they will also check if Apor is involved in the series of shooting incidents in Inayawan.

Capa said on top of improved police visibility, checkpoints and manhunt operations should be consistent to prevent crimes from happening, particularly shooting incidents.

“Stop the killing. Masipag rin ang pulis,” he said.

He said they will also study and profile the victims of shooting incidents and subject the recovered slugs under ballistic examination to determine if they come from the firearm of the suspects arrested.

Councilor David Tumulak, chairman of the City Council committee on peace and order, thanked Capa personally for the intensified efforts.

Tumulak said Apor’s arrest is just the start of their fight against all forms of criminality. He said there are barangays in Cebu City, including those in mountainous areas, where police can also intensify its efforts against illegal drugs and illegal gambling like video karera and swertres.

He said the city government continues to coordinate with the police in efforts to maintain peace and order in the city.

Tumulak announced that the city has allocated P98 million to update the equipment of the city police. — (FREEMAN)