Mindanaotoday.com | Video of Oro cop hurting minors went viral; probe ordered
By: Franck Dick Rosete
THE city police here has assured the public they will immediately release the result of the investigation conducted after a video footage showing a police officer from the Divisoria police station hurting rescued minor individuals went viral on social media.
Viñas expressed hope that the said unit that is currently handling the case would provide the result and recommendations in the next coming days.
“Our city director, Col. Aaron Mandia, has said that as early as possible there must already be a recommendation or resolution pertaining to this. Maybe in the coming days,” he said in vernacular.
This was echoed by Maj. Julius Saluta, the Cogon police chief, who further said that the police personnel of Divisoria police station were the one who intercepted the said minors when they ran after the stabbing incident.
The apprehended minors were later on turned over to Cogon police station for the conduct of the investigation.
Saluta earlier said the 13-year-old dead victim was a member of “Kaibigan Lang Po” gang and Raul Lumamba, 18, the suspect of the stabbing incident who was already arrested, is a member of “Soy Shit Dem” gang.
The video gathered mixed good and bad comments. However, despite some of the netizens’ approval on the side of the police, the COCPO has reiterated that they would still not tolerate the said violent behavior.
There was only one police officer who committed the said violent act according to the video, however, Viñas said in their initial investigation that there were four police officers who were tasked to submit their explanation.
The City Investigation and Detective Management Unit of COCPO is also currently investigating the participation of the other police personnel involved.
Various sports activities as interventions
After the death of the said 13-year-old gang member, it can be recalled that Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy asked the COCPO to look for solutions to resolve the crimes involving gangs, where minors are mostly involved.
Aside from identifying the gangs in the city for a possible dialogue with the Mayor, Viñas said they will also tap the local government unit, especially the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to conduct various sports activities.
“This is to divert their attention from joining groups or gangs that have no good intentions,” he said.
“We will be conducting basketball tournaments and other sports activities, and we will also enhance their skills and talents,” he added.
On October 24, during the flag raising program in city hall, City Councilor John Michael Seno, who is also the SK Federation President, called on the COCPO to work with the SK in stopping gang violence in the city. (MT)
####