CEBU City Councilor-elect Jun Alcover yesterday said he wanted Cebu City Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña investigated for giving cash rewards to policemen who could kill suspected criminals.
“If he would continue giving rewards, this will really promote extra-judicial killing. It is against the Constitution,” he said during the 888 News Forum yesterday.
“Where did he get the money? What are his bases in giving cash rewards to police?” he added.
Alcover reminded the police that it is their duty to serve and protect the public. He also recognized their efforts to curb crime even without the cash reward.
He said there should be due process.
“Extra-judicial killings can result to abuse and inject fear in people,” he added.
Acting Cebu City Mayor Margot Osmeña said any Cebuano is free to question the cash reward offered by her husband.
“Go ahead if he (Alcover) wants it investigated,” she said.
She expressed support for her husband’s reward program.
“I want to make sure that the city is safe. We have been murder capital in the past years. I want to make the city safe for the children, so yes, I support it. But you do not just go around shooting people and for as long as it (operation) is legal,” she added.
Incoming Mayor Osmeña could not be reached for comment.