By RUBY P. SILUBRICO
ILOILO City — Be vigilant against the basag-kotse gang.
Senior Superintendent Ruperto Floro, city police director, conveyed this warning to all police chiefs here in the wake of intelligence reports on the gang’s comeback.
“We would not be complacent. It is better to be preemptive and prepared,” Floro stressed.
He ordered his intelligence personnel to roam around the city and monitor the movements of basag-kotse thieves.
In February 2010, five notorious basag-kotse suspects were arrested in Jaro district and detained.
They were identified as Arwin Morilla, 28; Francisco Reyes, 32; Benjamin Salvacion, 38; Faustino Lumaniog, 38; and Jade Carino.
They were charged with theft, malicious mischief and possession of counterfeit bills before the City Prosecutor’s Office here.
However, they were released after posting bail of P170,000.
Meanwhile, Floro hopes that the 145 augmentation policemen who are now undergoing field training would enhance the city police’s visibility.
“We need to augment policemen on the streets,” he said.
Floro also assured that banks and other financing institutions, pawnshops, and jewelry stores, among other establishments here, are now well guarded by policemen and security guards./PN
