City may allocate more fuel for tanods, police

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said that he is willing to add more fuel allocation to tanods and the police, so that they can stop the proliferation of gangs, particularly in the barangays in the south.

In his news conference, Osmeña said that as long as the additional fuel will be used to address the problem, he has no qualms with the request.

“The City Government will support that. But if the tanods will be inefficient (despite additional fuel), I will really terminate their monthly allowances,” he said.

In a separate interview, Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, asked all 80 barangays to strictly enforce curfews after a 26-year-old male landed in a hospital after he was allegedly mauled by gangsters last Tuesday night.

The victim, identified as Romar Megallos, was reportedly attacked by suspected gang members in Barangay Kinasang-an at 11 p.m. when he was on his way home from work. Tumulak said Megallos is now in critical condition following the incident.

“These gangs are fully armed, bringing with them metallic bats, knives and a .45 calibre. That’s why we’re asking the parents to take extra care in safeguarding their children and for the police and tanods to heighten visibility,” he said.

The groups have been allegedly taking bases in Barangays Basak San Nicolas, Quiot, Buhisan, Basak Pardo, Mambaling, Punta Princesa, Poblacion Pardo, Inayawan, Tisa, Cogon Pardo and Bulacao. Another gang has also been reportedly operating in Barangay Tabunok in Talisay City.

Tumulak also advised operators of piso-piso internet cafes to strictly monitor the entry of their customers, since the gangs are reportedly communicating through social media.

He said there are some 17 gangs in the city that have been recruiting youngsters from ages eight to 25 years old.

He said part of the gangs’ initiation for new male members is to allegedly have them commit petty crimes in establishments and vandalize public and private property, while female recruits are reportedly raped by the leaders. /