Dismissed cops suspects in Vizcaya robberies

CAMP SATURNINO DUMLAO, Nueva Vizcaya—A spate of robberies in the province in the past four weeks that caught law enforcement agencies flatfooted has drawn criticism from businessmen and residents here, raising doubts on the ability of the police to ensure their safety.

Residents were especially alarmed at the boldness by which robbers have been carrying out their crimes, taking away valuables from their victims, mostly in broad daylight.

Police records showed that 14 robbery incidents occurred in the province since March 10, the latest of which was on Wednesday when two men on a motorcycle robbed employees of a  bus company in Solano town.

Robbers blocked the path of the tricycle carrying Caroline Balaweg and Arelita Guerrero, both employees of Vizcaya Liner Inc., in Roxas village at 1 p.m. They took P45,000 from the victims.

“[The situation] has become very alarming. Where are the police?” asked Arsenio Lagon, 53, who operates a food cart business in Solano.

A rice trader from Bambang town, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said businessmen in the province had been forced to buy firearms to make up for government’s supposed failure to protect its citizens.

“You really cannot count on the government for protection,” the rice trader said.

Worse, the suspects are usually policemen or soldiers who had been dismissed from service, the source said, referring to the arrest in Bagabag town of two men who tried to rob tourists on March 26.

“How can we even move about with some sense of confidence thinking that robbers are freely roaming out there and ready to strike anytime?” the trader said.

But acting provincial police director Senior Supt. Valfrie Tabian allayed these fears and assured them that the police were in control.

“In fact, we have solved four cases within five days after I assumed office, including the arrest of three suspects. Of the 14 robbery incidents, seven had been solved,” he said.

Tabian said he had ordered the setting up of checkpoints in every town to stop crime suspects.

He called on local officials to pass ordinances that require motorcycle owners to register with the local police. Melvin Gascon, Inquirer Northern Luzon