Business leaders ask police, gov’t to crack down on crime

Business leaders and tourism stakeholders called on to law enforcement agencies and local officials to be more vigilant in cracking down on crime since it may affect business and tourism in Cebu.

They noted with concern the 38 percent increase in crime rates in Cebu City particularly in crimes against property and theft.

Marget Villarica, president of the Cebu Association of Travel Agencies, said some of their members experienced theft.

“We had dialogues with PNP and they assured us that they are doing their best to improve the situation. If it is happening to the travel offices it can always happen to tourists,” Villarica said.

Villarica said the city should provide more mobilization for PNP so emergency cases can be acted on immediately.

Jurisdiction

“In Davao, the major streets have CCTV. We should have something like that so crime and theft can be monitored,” she said.

The Cebu City Police Office said it recorded 771 street crimes from January to March this year, a significant increase from the 477 posted from October to December 2013.

Chief Insp. Aileen Recla, chief of the city police’s Investigation and Detection Management Branch (IDMB) said most crimes occurred within the jurisdiction of the Waterfront, Mabolo and Parian police precincts.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ordered Senior Supt. Noli Romana, Cebu City police chief, to relieve four of 11 precinct chiefs for failing to curb crime in their areas.

Ma. Teresa Chan, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, shared Villarica’s sentiments.

Strategy

“It is sad that the increase in crime rate which usually accompanies economic growth is even much higher than the growth rate itself. Peace and order is one of the top considerations of tourists as well as investors,” she said.

“There should be an overall short, immediate and long-term strategy led by our law enforcers involving all sectors and all units of society,” she added.

Eric Ng Mendoza, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said a high crime rate not only affects the business climate but public confidence and movement as well.

“It will not affect business as much for now although some people may avoid the places which are prone to these problems or at least be extra vigilant,” he said.

Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Officer Hembler Mendoza said the Philippine National Police can mobilize the barangays to curb petty crimes in the community.

Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan Joseph told Cebu Daily News that if the crime rate continues to rise then it will affect businesses.

“The PNP must be held accountable and inept policemen and their leaders should be held responsible. It’s a ridiculous situation. It’s all about political will and accountability,” he said.