CCPO anticipate rise in crime incidents after lifting of curfew

The Cebu City Police Office headquarters along Gorordo Avenue in Cebu City.

CEBU CITY, Philippines —  The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) anticipates a possible rise in crime incidents in the city following the lifting of curfew for adults on February 24.

“Possible nga dunay pagtaas considering nga duna nasay chances nga ang mga criminal makabiktima because like for example, makauli nga nakainom na unya inig sakay sa jeep makatug, at the same time, makuotan or possible nga inig uli sa ilaha, sa hilit-hilit nga lugar , pwede sad sila maholdup or masnatch ilang butang,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said.

On February 24, 2022, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama announced the lifting of curfew for adults in the city. However, curfew of minors which runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. remains. 

Rama signed Executive Order (EO) titled Oplan Kagawasan during the celebration of Cebu City’s 85th Charter Day on Thursday, February 24, 2022.

READ: Cebu City removes major COVID-19 restrictions

For his part, Parilla said that there will be no major adjustments with their police deployment following this order as they will still monitor the public’s compliance to health protocols such as wearing of facemask and observing social distancing.

On Thursday night, February 24,  Parilla said they observed a few individuals who flocked to some areas and establishments in the city past the previous curfew hours. However, they are expecting more people to go out tonight, February 25, and on Saturday, February 26.

Parilla added that they continue to intensify their police presence in all areas in Cebu City as their Oplan Bulabog also stays.

“Oplan Bulabog is not solely for the implementation sa health protocols. Bulabog in general is for our anti-criminality campaign,” Parilla said.

Over this, Parilla said they already relayed instructions to all station commanders to intensify police presence around the city.

Robbery Incidents

Regarding the two robbery incidents involving taxi drivers on January 28 and February 22, Parilla said these are ‘not alarming’ yet. 

“Kanang isolated, for example kadtong minor nga trip trip ra niya, dili na sya kaayo maka create og alarm no but if it is already syndicated, duna nay grupo and ilahang tuyo is mao rana, pagtulis, so that is already alarming,” Parilla said.

READ: Police arrest suspect in robbery-murder of taxi driver in Brgy Apas

Parilla also disclosed that they will have a meeting with CCPO’s Traffic Enforcement Unit, Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to create measures to counter crimes involving Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), especially taxis.

Parilla encourages taxi drivers to use their signal lights (blue) when they encounter robbery and other criminal activities.    /rcg

READ: Minor from Lorega allegedly involved in robbing taxi driver, rescued