Inspector Joseph De Vera, one of the suspects in the Edsa abduction-robbery, is presented to media by police officials during a press conference at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame. LYN RILLON/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police should set up a system that will allow netizens to post photos or videos of crimes being committed, a lawmaker at the House of Representatives said Wednesday.
Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano said the Edsa robbery-abduction on Epifanio delos Santos Avenue by 12 suspects, including 10 policemen, early this September would have gone unnoticed if not for a photo of the incident posted by a netizen on Twitter and which went viral.
“Kung walang nag-upload, wala ring maiimbestigahan,” said Alejano who, along with his colleagues thanked the netizen.
(If no one uploaded, then there would have been no investigation.)
“(The netizens) are the ones on the ground,” Alejano said.
Chief Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta, Eastern Police District chief, told Wednesday’s public order and safety committee investigation of the September 1 incident that the netizen was a female who told the police she would deactivate her account for her personal safety.
Negros Occidental Representative Jeffrey Ferrer, committee chairman, said the netizen’s action of uploading the photo was a “participation of the community” as he and Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia thanked her.
Ten policemen, mostly from La Loma police station, were tagged in the P2 milliom robbery along Edsa. The photo showed gun-wielding men surrounding a van in broad day light. The victims have surfaced and accused members of the La Loma police as being behind the robbery.
One of the suspects, Chief Inspector Joseph De Vera, admitted that he was in the reported incident but claimed it was an anti-drug operation.
On Early Wednesday, Senior Inspector Allan Emlano of the Caloocan City police, surrendered to authorities to deny his involvement.
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