Trackers team disbanded

THE Cebu City Police Chief yesterday said the Trackers team, a group of civilian anti-crime volunteers, has been disbanded.

Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said this happened after its members were found involved in the July 7 arrest and death of a robbery suspect in the Fuente Osmeña police precinct, where the suspect was mauled during interrogation.

The controversy led to the relief and transfer of Chief Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes as the Fuente police chief.

Bastes formed the Trackers team a few years ago when he was head of the Theft and Robbery Section. The Trackers, who joined patrols, checkpoints, did intelligence work and other assistance, held office in the Fuente police station, where Bastes also allowed some street children whose schooling he sponsored, to stay ing.

Buenafe said some of the street children saw the mauling of the suspect inside the Trackers office.

“Hindi yon good example nga makakita sila,” said Buenafe.

He said the Trackers office would now be used as a a temporary shelter for the street children until they are be turned over to social workers.

Buenafe ordered the OIC of the Fuente police station, Senior Insp. Stanley Sabang, to take care of the street children and continue to support their studies.

Before Bastes was relieved, he spent for their school needs and some meals since his wife has a catering business.

Bastes and seven other policemen are facing an administrative investigation, while a criminal case has been filed against a member of the Trrackers team who allegedly mauled the theft suspect.  Correspondent Chito O. Aragon