Drizzt
Member
Philippine Daily Inquirer
February 2, 2003
SECTION: 14
LENGTH: 523 words
HEADLINE: CEBU COPS TOLD TO JUST SHOOT CRIMINALS
BYLINE: Suzzane Salva
BODY:
CEBU CITY-Controversial Assistant Provincial Prosecutor of Cebu Vicente Manalac has done it again.
The prosecutor who had earlier requested that he be armed with an M-16 rifle with 150 rounds of ammunition for his alleged safety this time supports the "shooting of criminal elements."
In his Jan. 30 letter to Chief Supt. Rolando Garcia, regional police director for Central Visayas, Manalac even proposed that more criminals "be shot by the police lawfully in the interest of public service." "May there be many more criminals to be shot by the police lawfully in the interest of public service. As a slogan: 'shoot them all in the interest of public service,'" the letter read.
His unsolicited reaction was in response to newspaper reports about the recent spate of shooting of thieves, robbers, drug pushers and other criminals by Cebu City policemen.
Since Jan. 15, policemen have shot eight suspected criminals in Cebu City, killing four and wounding four others.
Garcia had defended his men, saying those criminal elements were killed or wounded in legitimate operations. He denied insinuations that there was an order to summarily execute suspected criminals, saying the policemen were just doing their jobs.
The series of shootings had worried human rights activists in the city. But Manalac felt the opposite.
"I am sure the public feels good about the actions of your men, as well as I. They shot those criminals and disabled some of them rightfully and justifiably in accordance and in the spirit of self-defense of themselves and the public they are sworn to protect," Manalac told Garcia.
The prosecutor said criminals will not fear but instead will ridicule the police should they hesitate to draw their guns.
"The police should learn to use those guns not merely display it as an ornament . . . Sometimes gunfire is the only language criminals understand," he said.
Manalac said he did not only appreciate but also supports "personally and in my official capacity" every member of the Philippine National Police who does not hesitate to shoot when duty calls.
"For every bullet fired it is a victory for the public who benefits from every criminal disabled or terminated," he pointed out.
Garcia, when sought for reaction, appeared amused with Manalac's letter. He however quickly assured the public that the PNP follows the rules of engagement.
"In the PNP, we use progressive application of force in subduing (a) subject. If shot at, then shoot him. The ideal situation is to immobilize the suspect. But you know that in a situation like this, adrenaline works fast," Garcia explained.
While the letter of support would make the police feel good, Garcia said his men were always reminded to be circumspect in the use of their firearms.
Acting Cebu City Police Director Supt. Josephus Angan also assured that the use of a firearm against a suspected criminal is the last course of action, when the police have exhausted all other peaceful means.
"Shooting criminals should be governed by what is in the law- doctrine of self-defense and in the defense of a stranger," he said.
February 2, 2003
SECTION: 14
LENGTH: 523 words
HEADLINE: CEBU COPS TOLD TO JUST SHOOT CRIMINALS
BYLINE: Suzzane Salva
BODY:
CEBU CITY-Controversial Assistant Provincial Prosecutor of Cebu Vicente Manalac has done it again.
The prosecutor who had earlier requested that he be armed with an M-16 rifle with 150 rounds of ammunition for his alleged safety this time supports the "shooting of criminal elements."
In his Jan. 30 letter to Chief Supt. Rolando Garcia, regional police director for Central Visayas, Manalac even proposed that more criminals "be shot by the police lawfully in the interest of public service." "May there be many more criminals to be shot by the police lawfully in the interest of public service. As a slogan: 'shoot them all in the interest of public service,'" the letter read.
His unsolicited reaction was in response to newspaper reports about the recent spate of shooting of thieves, robbers, drug pushers and other criminals by Cebu City policemen.
Since Jan. 15, policemen have shot eight suspected criminals in Cebu City, killing four and wounding four others.
Garcia had defended his men, saying those criminal elements were killed or wounded in legitimate operations. He denied insinuations that there was an order to summarily execute suspected criminals, saying the policemen were just doing their jobs.
The series of shootings had worried human rights activists in the city. But Manalac felt the opposite.
"I am sure the public feels good about the actions of your men, as well as I. They shot those criminals and disabled some of them rightfully and justifiably in accordance and in the spirit of self-defense of themselves and the public they are sworn to protect," Manalac told Garcia.
The prosecutor said criminals will not fear but instead will ridicule the police should they hesitate to draw their guns.
"The police should learn to use those guns not merely display it as an ornament . . . Sometimes gunfire is the only language criminals understand," he said.
Manalac said he did not only appreciate but also supports "personally and in my official capacity" every member of the Philippine National Police who does not hesitate to shoot when duty calls.
"For every bullet fired it is a victory for the public who benefits from every criminal disabled or terminated," he pointed out.
Garcia, when sought for reaction, appeared amused with Manalac's letter. He however quickly assured the public that the PNP follows the rules of engagement.
"In the PNP, we use progressive application of force in subduing (a) subject. If shot at, then shoot him. The ideal situation is to immobilize the suspect. But you know that in a situation like this, adrenaline works fast," Garcia explained.
While the letter of support would make the police feel good, Garcia said his men were always reminded to be circumspect in the use of their firearms.
Acting Cebu City Police Director Supt. Josephus Angan also assured that the use of a firearm against a suspected criminal is the last course of action, when the police have exhausted all other peaceful means.
"Shooting criminals should be governed by what is in the law- doctrine of self-defense and in the defense of a stranger," he said.
. Talk about tyranny!
