Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, is still a city of gentle people, contrary to claims that it has become a haven for criminal elements, according to Gov. Roel Degamo.
Gov. Degamo issued the statement Monday before the 34th council meeting of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Negros Oriental-Siquijor Council, in reiterating the fight against those who want to disturb the peace and tranquility in this city and the province for that matter.
Degamo said his office is closely coordinating with local government units and law enforcement agencies to make sure efforts are sustained. He said he has instructed the police to dig deeper into the motive of recent crimes to determine the brains of these cowardly acts.
In fact, the provincial government has earmarked P200,000 as additional reward money for the identity and arrest of the killers of lawyer Archer Baldwin Martinez.
He said it is unfair to criticize local chief executives that they have done nothing against the proliferation of petty crimes like in Dumaguete because the mayor is doing his best under his powers to maintain peace and order, Degamo pointed out.
Actions undertaken by Mayor Sagarbarria even before the recent murders included the request for additional police personnel, request for additional patrol cars, formation of the auxiliary police, organizing the intelligence network in the barangay level, extend logistical support to the police such as fuel, purchase of additional radio handsets and even bullet proof vests were provided, among others.
Sagabarria has also requested the presence of tourist police in Dumaguete.
On the legislative side, the reward system was approved in 2005 but there was a problem on its validity. Another ordinance extending additional allowance for barangay tanods to help in crime prevention was also approved while also pending is a proposed ordinance to install CCTV cameras in public places and still another proposed ordinance is the barangay ID system and the creation of a neighborhood crime watch group.
The mayor had even asked the assistance of reservists to patrol the city streets in tandem but this was also questioned.
Degamo is urging concerned Dumagueteños, former local chief executives and Negrenses alike to unite in preventing crimes, instead of criticizing and fault-finding which is very unproductive. (PNA/Juancho Gallarde)