Police ‘morality’

BEHIND THE SCENES
Alfred P. Dizon

What is this animal called “Task Force Morality,” which the leadership of the Baguio City police created?

Under the scheme, Senior Supt. Agripino G. Javier, BCPO chief of police, told newsmen, cops will regularly conduct inspections and implement city ordinances, monitor and safeguard city populace from harm or danger. But isn’t it their job as law enforcers?

“The purpose of this sets forth the functions to attend the mandated expeditious and smooth administration of justice and in adherence to its social contract with the community by protecting the best interest of the most vulnerable women affecting their morals such as violence, exploitation, prostitution, forced labor or services, slavery, coercion and abduction or in any form affecting decency and good customs,” said Javier.
***
Wow! He said inspection of business establishments would be done “to determine compliance to existing laws and city ordinances carried out and to determine whether this establishment performs activities affecting the moral of women or the society as a whole.”

Javier said on Nov. 6, Task Force Morality Team II headed by Insp. Arlen Abastillas led random inspection of massage parlors and imposed curfew on minors in the central business district. Members from CMG along with two SWAT vans were reportedly utilized as back-up and security during the operation.

He said random inspection of massage parlors and drinking establishments was conducted along Magsaysay Avenue, saying working permits were thoroughly checked to ensure no minors were working there.
***
Since Javier wants “morality” imposed in the city, maybe, he could ask his men to raid bars featuring ladies and even minors in nude shows wearing skimpy underwear. Our informants tell us police have not been raiding these establishments along Marcos Highway and Naguillan Road. Why? These night establishments go “all the way.” In other words, the ladies strip leaving nothing left to the imagination in front of salivating males.
***
Cops could also increase foot patrols along Burnham Park since it seems, security guards there seem to be asleep or out of sight when rumbles among teen gangs ensue or when pickpockets run away with cell phones or purses.

Walking recently along the Rose Garden in the park around 8:45 p.m., a certain Michael Gazi was met by six unidentified men who severely mauled him. Police Chief Insp. Edward Cutiyog bared this in a report to Baguio Centennial Commissioner Bishop Carlito Cenzon, point person of the Baguio Centennial Parks Committee. Cenzon requested for weekly incident reports at Burnham Park from city police as a result. Cenzon said incidents show the Park has become unsafe for promenaders in the evening or daytime.
***
In another report sent to city police, Ruperto Alvar, general manager of the R&R Management and Sanitary Services said gasoline was being siphoned from vehicles while tires were stolen in the park near their establishments. A water hose was reportedly stolen and the windshield of a vehicle broken when someone threw a stone at it.
***
Along Session Road and Magsaysay Avenue, pickpockets still ply their trade seemingly unafraid. Informants say some policemen take a certain percentage from groups of pickpockets after they sell the stolen cell phones.

Still at Session, rumbles occur every now and then with no policeman in sight. There is also this billiards joint beside the lotto outlet at the market in Mabini where a lot of minors still in their uniforms drink liquor while playing. Every now and then, when they are drunk, they make trouble. The joint is reportedly owned by a self-styled “hard-hitting” local television commentator who always talks like he is a saint by pinpointing alleged misdoings by government officials. Why is the police not raiding it? They can go there any time of the day and see these minors drinking
***
There are a lot of things police could do like increasing foot patrols in barangays which are crime prone. Illegal gambling is one which police could also train its guns on. Again, our informants say they know where these gambling joints are, particularly those patronized by rich and former or incumbent public officials. Why are these also not being raided? As to jueteng – well, just ask your friendly kubrador.

Maybe this “morality program” of the city police could enhance their reputation. But first they have to do better in doing their jobs, not just paying lip service for pogi points.