Tupas to help cops who neutralize criminals

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

 

JUST shoot them.

This was the encouragement imparted by Governor Niel Tupas Sr. to members of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) if only to stem the rising crime rate in the province.

Tupas issued the order during a conference with municipal chiefs of police and lending firms at the IPPO headquarters in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Tupas said police are hesitant to use their firearms against robbers and other criminals because of the possible criminal and administrative cases that might be filed against them.

But the governor said the provincial government is willing to help any cop who will shoot down criminals.

“Shoot them if necessary and we will provide you with lawyers if ever you are charged. What is important is the peace and order of the province,” Tupas said.

Tupas said they will also provide bail money for police officers who will face criminal and administrative raps for killing a lawbreaker.

The governor and IPPO director Ricardo dela Paz met the town police chiefs and lending firms to discuss the peace and order situation and draft measures against highway robberies.

Armed thieves have been preying on lending collectors who lug big amounts of cash in far-flung areas of the province.

Dela Paz said they recorded a 15 percent increase in robbery cases this year compared to 2007. The IPPO chief also noted that robbers have become violent as they also kill their victims. 

One of the measures dela Paz broached to lending firms is a centralized collection center near police stations.

The IPPO also asked lending firms to coordinate with the local police if ever they will carry large amount of money with them.

(Visit www.thedailyguardian.com for more news)