Abbu bucks reimposition of curfew in Oro

“ON the possibility of reimposition of the curfew in the city, I do not submit to the said proposition as of now.”

This was stressed by Councilor Jose Pepe Abbu, Jr. during the 4th regular session of the 20th City Council presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez, in reaction to the special report of Councilors Roger G. Abaday and Malvern Esparcia regarding the series of crimes that recently took place in the city.

Councilor Abbu expressed his opposition to the proposal to reimpose curfew, citing that the city is still in the process of recovery. “Our business community is only starting to rise back again,” he stressed.

The councilor added that imposing curfew would not result in the solution of the rise in criminality. He said it may have contributed to the peace and order of the city but it does not necessarily resolve the cause of criminality.

It may be recalled that last month former Mayor Oscar Moreno issued an executive order lifting the curfew hours implemented at the onset of the pandemic.

ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

To improve the peace and order in the city, Councilor Abbu proposed alternative solutions such as the increase in police visibility especially in areas where people flock.

He also maintained the need to support the programs, operations and needs of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), and improve intelligence reporting.

Councilor Abbu lauded the COCPO for resolving some of the cases which resulted in the apprehension of some of the perpetrators.

Despite the series of incidents, the city is still peaceful and livable, the councilor stressed. (SP/Text and photo by JBDacer)