POLICE WARNED: STOP SLAYS OR AID CANCELLED

DAVAO CITY -- Two councilors warned police Tuesday they have two
months to put an end to the spate of vigilante-style killings in the
city or risk losing the benefits the local government is extending to
them.

"If they (referring to the police) cannot stop summary killings in two
months time, I may recommend to the council and to the city mayor the
abolition of all benefits given by the City Government to the police,"
Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar said.

He criticized the Davao City Police Office for its failure to address
the crimes perpetuated by the so-called "death squad", which have
already killed 56 persons this year.

Three of the victims were killed just this month, the last two
executed in separate near-dawn incidents on Monday and Tuesday.

The latest victims, both 32 years old and who are the 55th and 56th
for this year, were Allan Jamsola of Manggahan, Toril, and Ryan Milan
of Suraya Homes in Cabantian, Buhangin.

Councilor Militar said he has not observed a single initiative by the
police to solve the killings.

Police could have offered financial reward to anyone who could provide
information about the killers but they never did this, which was
surprising, said Militar.

"They don't have the initiative in all due respect to the leadership
of the police here. With regards to other things, commendable naman
ang police natin (our police are doing commendable jobs). But when it
comes to summary killings, ito talaga ang problema sa pulis (they have
a problem)," Militar said.

Councilor Peter T. Lavina agreed with Militar, saying the killing of
petty criminals is not the answer, as it has not discouraged the
commission of crimes in the city.

"We are, in fact, abetting criminality because summary killing is a
crime. I agree with Boni nga kung wala lang ang (that if not for the)
killings, okay naman ang police natin (our police could be considered
as doing well). Pero kung hindi rin lang nila kaya ma-stop ang (But if
they cannot stop the) killings, of what use pa ang support ng (is the
support of) government sa kanila (to them)?" Lavina said.

Lavina also questioned the checkpoints being set up by
authorities.

"It appears na (that checkpoints are) useless lang ang mga checkpoints
kay dili man gihapon madakpan ang mga ginaingon nga (because they have
been unable to arrest a single) motorcycle-riding gunman," Lavina said.

Lavina and Militar said the slay victims, mostly drug and petty crime
suspects, were also entitled to protection by the law.