Palace not keen on imposing curfew amid spree of ‘mad killers’ in QC

By: Kristine Angeli Sabillo - 10 years ago

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang said it was not too keen on imposing curfew in Quezon City amid news of “mad killers” who shot dead at least five people on Sunday.

“Pagpapasya na ‘yan ng mga local authorities and depending doon sa sitwasyon,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told a reporter during a televised press briefing on Monday.

“Dahil tandaan din natin, ‘yung sinasabi mong curfew ay limitasyon din sa freedom of movement at binabantayan din natin ‘yung pangangalaga sa fundamental na karapatan ng ating mga mamamayan, lalong-lalo na kung sila naman ay mga peace-loving citizens na wala namang ginagawang masama. Kaya ‘yan sigurong binanggit mo ay dapat bigyan ng masusing pag-aaral muna,” he added.

(The local authorities will be the ones to decide, depending on the situation. Let us remember that a curfew is a limitation of movement, and we are protecting the fundamental rights of our people, especially if they are peace-loving citizens who are not doing anything wrong. That is why we should probably study that thoroughly.)

Instead, Coloma said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been directed to intensify their pursuit of the perpetrators, believed to be two men on a motorcycle.

“Tungkulin nito (PNP) na pangalagaan ang katahimikan at kaayusan sa ating mga komunidad, at bigyan ng kapanatagan ng kalooban ang ating mga mamamayan laban sa mga kriminal at masasamang elemento,” he said.

(It is the obligation of the PNP to ensure peace and order in our communities and secure our citizens against criminals and lawless elements.)

The Secretary also emphasized the importance of community action and citizen vigilance.

Authorities earlier reported that the killing spree happened around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday and lasted for about an hour. The first victim was 34-year-old Rodelio dela Cruz who was on board his motorcycle at Commonwealth Avenue when he was shot in the head and body. The next victim was 37-year-old businesswoman Alodia Grace Go who was shot in the neck and head just outside Fairmont Subdivision.

Gelmer Gabronino and Angelie Auguis, both 35 years old, were also on a motorycle along Regalado Avenue when they were gunned down. The last person shot dead was a still unidentified man scavenging through a garbage pile along Commonwealth Avenue.