DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines (PNA) - The Dumaguete police force is set to institute new measures on proper investigation techniques, patrol beat assignments, case handling and intelligence-gathering to increase its efficiency in curbing criminality and violence in the city. This move comes fast in the heels of recent retaliatory acts of violence against members of rival gangs Bloods and Crips which have already claimed the lives of at least three persons last November.
Provincial Police Director, Sr. Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas has issued a directive to the Dumaguete police station to submit an account of all crime incidents in the city that are gang-related, specifically involving both the Bloods as well as the Crips. Lawas also ordered the submission of an updated list of suspected gang members, including specific information such as their home addresses, the names of their parents and the schools where they are enrolled. The provincial police director is admitting that indeed, there is a rising trend in gang-related violence in the city which needs to be addressed in a holistic manner involving different sectors in the community. Lawas gave his assurance that he will order the putting in place of measures meant to quell even more violence on the streets, even as he said the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be meeting with city and provincial officials to discuss how best to address the street gang problem here. He said he will also review the deployment of city police personnel, and if warranted, he may have to assign additional troops to augment the current strength of about 60 to 70 policemen with the city force. A meeting is also in the offing between city police and provincial police officials and staff to review and enhance the skills of the Dumaguete police force in crime-fighting and crime prevention. Lawas stressed the importance of coordinating with and seeking the support of various stakeholders, including schools and such government agencies as the Social Welfare Office, and civic groups, among others
