MANILA, Philippines - Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo admitted Wednesday that the recent spate of high-profile crimes in Metro Manila is worrisome.
He is now asking local government units to stop the crime wave.
“Maliban sa mahuli at pagsampa ng kaso, palagay ko importante iyung preventive aspects ng problemang ito,” he said in an interview on radio dzMM. “Iyun po ang tinutukoy ngayon, paano po na mapigilan ung crime wave.”
“Siguro di lang sa kapulisan, iyung tulong ng local officials at nung multiplier, tanod, kailangan mahikayat natin sila mag-participate din.”
He said police have been ordered to be more alert against crimes. “May direktiba na mas maging mas alerto, pero bigyan natin ng konting panahon pa na maging mas epektibo sya.”
“Plano ko po, lapitan na ang mga local officials, kung pagkukulang police presence, maigi po siguro na humingi rin tayo ng tulong sa iba pang sektor na puwedeng tumulong,” Robredo said.
He said he plans to meet with heads of local government units and top police officials this week to address the issue.
“Nabanggit ko nga pupulong kami ng mga mayor, siguro sa Metro Manila, pati MMDA [Metro Manila Development Authority]. I’m certain that in the next 2-3 days may gagawing pagpupulong.”
He said police should act on orders coming from their superiors.
“Hanggang walang nahuhuli, di ito titigil. Ang akin lang pong hiling, sana di lang mag-order, sana may mangyari. Kasi may manunubok hanggang magtatagumpay at iyung tanging paraan makita niya pag sinubukan niya aabutan sya,” he added.
Robredo said law enforcers should accept criticism.
“We really need to do better. Mga ganitong klaseng pagpuna, tatanggapin namin maluwag kasi may mga kailangan gawin.” – dzMM, ANC
