BCPO intensifies apprehensions against thieves

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With the MassKara Festival opening this weekend, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) yesterday said they have intensified monitoring and apprehending suspected thieves across the city as part of ongoing security preparations.

BCPO spokesperson, Police Chief Inspector Sherlock Gabana, said most suspects have been arrested numerous times previously.

Suspects, however, are released if victims decide not to press charges and, once outside, they often return to criminal activity.

Gabana said BCPO director, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, ordered precinct commanders in the city to keep an eye on notorious thieves in their respective jurisdictions and arrest them if possible in order to stop them from victimizing tourists and festival goers.

“Apprehensions started since way before,” Gabana said. “Those who have been identified as snatchers and thieves have been picked up by police and charges are being filed against them in order to stop them from committing criminal activity.”

Gabana also said, aside from suspected thieves, they have also started rescuing “rugby boys and girls,” as well as unattended minors, off the streets, especially during the late evening.

He added, although it is festival time, the BCPO will still implement the city’s curfew ordinance./DGB, WDJ