While criminal charges have already been filed against the suspect in the murder of a medical technology student of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI), Mayor Leni Robredo vowed that the city government will exhaust all possible means to ensure the tragedy will not happen again.
The mayor said she is set to meet with Police Brigadier General Nestor Babagay Jr., acting regional director of the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5), on Friday, August 8, to discuss critical steps that the city and police authorities must undertake following the filing of the murder complaint against the suspect, identified by the police only as alias “Nonoy.”
Robredo said her discussion with Babagay will focus on forging stronger collaboration between the city government and the Philippine National Police, particularly in reinforcing crime prevention mechanisms. She will also ask what support Naga can expect from the regional police leadership as the city confronts the aftermath of the crime that shook residents and drew widespread concern from the academic community.
“We cannot afford the same crime—or any form of aggression—to happen again in our city,” Robredo stressed. “It is very unfortunate on our part, and on the part of the victim and his family, that such a crime occurred. Although isolated, it can blemish the reputation of our city. We condemn it.”
Robredo said the case, while legally progressing at the City Prosecution Office, deserves more than just a procedural resolution.
“We want to get to the real story behind the crime. While the suspect has admitted the act and the motive has been established by the police, we owe it to the victim’s family and to the people of Naga to understand what really happened, and why,” she added.
Aside from her dialogue with Babagay, the mayor said she will also bring the case to the attention of the Naga City Peace and Order Council (POC), which is scheduled to convene next week.
One of the immediate actions taken by the city government, Robredo said, is the improvement of the city’s CCTV surveillance system. She has instructed the General Services Department to conduct a thorough inspection of all 27 barangays to identify poorly lit areas andj recommend urgent improvements.
“We need CCTVs that are part of a well-organized, effective, and efficient system,” she said. “It is not enough that we have many units. They must be installed strategically, operate consistently, and be backed by a strong and stable internet connection so that surveillance does not fail when we need it most.”
Robredo also gave her assurance to the victim’s family that the city government stands with them in their pursuit of justice.
“We will do everything within our means to get justice for the victim and to protect others from suffering the same fate,” she said. | via Jason B. Neola
