PRO-7: Series of killings normal in an urban area

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 downplayed the statement of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma that Cebu is turning into a ‘culture of impunity’ in the wake of the numerous unresolved killings.

“If naa mga nangamatay normal man na sa siyudad nga progressive, so naa gyu’y mga crimes nga mahitabo,” PRO-7 spokesman Reyman Tolentin told reporters in a press conference yesterday.

Tolentin said the killings are not all related to President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against drugs, as most of the motives behind the deaths are allegedly driven by personal grudges.

“Dili automatically nga taga patay drugs na dayon, daghan ra ba patay nga personal grudges, it’s not automatic,” Tolentin said.

Two years since President Rodrigo Duterte waged war against drugs, the administration received massive criticisms on what seem to be extra-judicial killings (EJK) or state supported-summary killings.

The police have since denied the series of killings as state-sponsored.  PRO-7 Director Debold Sinas had earlier belied alleged botched assassination plot on Tejero councilman Jessielou Cadungog on July 30.

PRO-7 stood firm that slain cop PO3 Eugene Calumba was out in a legitimate surveillance operation, despite conflicting reports on his assignment.

Law enforcement agencies in Central Visayas had recorded at least 195 fatalities, most of these allegedly in an encounter with law enforcers, since July 2016 until June this year.

In Cebu City alone, at least 16 people have died in the hands of unidentified gunmen in Cebu since February, all of which remain unresolved until this day.

The number includes several high profile personalities including politicians and police officers who were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Cebu.

Tolentin said that lower units have been directed to investigate the cases and appealed to families for more patience since police also encounter challenges.

Tolentin said whenever police hit a blank wall during the investigation, it is because the lack of witnesses who chose to remain mum due to fear.

“If wala pakabana ang katawhan, for example, dili sila motestigo, so maglisod pagsulbad sa kaso. The point there is…we are evidence governed.  If wala evidence, dili pud ta makahatag hustisya, ang huwes motuo lang if naa ka evidence,” he said.

He said that there will be no end to unresolved cases if families also distrust the police.

“In my own, as I see it, dapat magpabilin atong trust and confidence sa pulis.  If you lose the trust, the more we cannot solve crimes.  Kinsa man mohatag CCTVs, testimony.  We are making the situation worst, instead of helping we are not helping,” he said.

Full Probe

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, for his part, said that a full investigation is needed before he can conclude that the PNP is behind the killings of alleged drug personalities.

“Ako, I’m not prepared to draw that conclusion muna.  Wait for the investigation,” he told reporters yesterday.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has openly expressed his suspicion that some policemen are behind the unresolved shooting incidents in the island.

“They should be creative unsaon paggukod aning mga perpetrators,” Davide said to the PNP.

The governor reiterated that he “still trusts” the police at the moment amidst the killings which he himself finds “really alarming.”

He highlighted the importance of trust in the police as they are the ones who are supposed to protect the people and solve the crimes.

He furthermore encouraged the eyewitnesses to come out and help in solving these crimes.

Meanwhile, Tourism Officer Joselito Costas said that the series of unresolved killings may have an effect on the tourism industry.

He explained that it is a natural response for the tourists to consider safety and security of a destination. (FREEMAN)