Police must heighten anti-illegal drug campaign
after Cavite killings, Palace says
Malacanang said Friday’s shooting rampage in
Cavite should prompt the police to carry out extensive campaign against loose
firearms and illegal drugs.
Ronald
Bae, a drug addict, went on a shooting rampage in Kawit, Cavite on Friday
morning attacking his neighbors with a .45-caliber pistol. Eight people were killed
and nine others were injured in the attack.
Police
investigation confirmed that Bae was high on drugs when he carried out the
rampage.
“This
should provide further impetus for our officials of the PNP (Philippine
National Police) particularly in Region IV-A, to further heighten their drive
against illegal drugs,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in
a radio interview over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.
The
Palace official also suggested that the PNP should look into reports saying
police personnel in Cavite responded late to the shooting.
The PNP
in the national capital region has been implementing a two-minute response time
for its personnel.
Valte
also fended off accusations that politics hinders effective police work in
Cavite. It was reported that Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla complained about
not getting enough policemen in the province because he’s not an ally of the
President.
“Sa peace
and order walang pulitika. We’ve always been very adamant about that. And if
Governor Jonvic Remulla has any concerns, and I’m sure the leadership of the
PNP will be more than happy to coordinate, and to listen to him,” Valte said.
Friday’s
shooting happened in Barangay Tabon 1 in Kawit, Cavite, at around 9:30 a.m. The
suspect, who traded shots with responding policemen, was shot to death by the
authorities at around 11 a.m.
The
suspect entered several houses and shoot everyone inside including children,
according to witnesses. The police also found sachets containing suspected
drugs inside Bae’s house.
Witnesses
also said Bae was assisted by a certain John Paul Lopez in the rampage. They
said Lopez helped Bae reload his pistol. The Cavite provincial government is
offering a reward for the capture of Bae’s alleged accomplice. PND (as)
Palace: Security for feast of Black Nazarene
equally strict this year
The
police will implement strict security measures for this year’s Feast of the
Black Nazarene in Manila to make the celebration orderly and safe, the Palace
said on Saturday.
“Last
year’s case was very different as you all know. But for this year, the security
measures will be equally strict. NCRPO chief Dindo Espina has already been
meeting with the Church officials and with the local government officials as to
the preparations that we are taking for the procession for this year’s Feast of
the Black Nazarene,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a
radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
“The
preparations will be equally tight although iba ‘yung last year, given that it
was a unique situation last year.”
Last
year’s feast was recorded as the "longest procession" as it took more
than 22 hours. The police also claimed a possible terrorist attack, prompting
them to jam mobile phone communications in the area.
The
police has started preparations for the annual feast which will be celebrated
January 9. Millions of devotees are expected to take part in a traditional
procession to the Quiapo Church.
Among the
activities during the event will be masses at the Quiapo Church and a
procession around the district. PND (as)
