THE Caloocan police have been given the Best City Police Station award despite the killing of two teenagers, Kian delos Santos, 17, and Carl Arnaiz, 19, in the government’s anti-drug campaign.
“Let us not generalize. In fairness to the local police force, they really worked hard to keep the city peaceful from street crimes,” said Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan.
Malapitan said the crime rate drastically declined since he took over in 2013. It was then that dimly lit and dark areas in the city where lighted, police and barangay outposts in crime-prone areas were built and close circuit television cameras were installed, he added.
The city government also supported the local police by issuing mobile cars, logistical support and other equipment that would help curb criminality.
The award was given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the National Capital Region Police Office on Aug. 22, six days after Delos Santos was killed by policemen during an anti-drug operation.
The mayor expressed his dismay at the killing of Delos Santos and Arnaiz.
“It is very saddening on my part the two consecutive incidents involving Kian and Carl Angelo which served as a strong blow and stain on the reputation this leadership has earned for more four years,” Malapitan said in Filipino.
“This is not the kind of peace and order rule that I established as local chief. However, let the justice process prevail and those responsible for the death of Kian and Carl Angelo suffer the consequences of the law for what they have committed,” he added.
He vowed that peace and order will prevail in the streets of Caloocan and victims of abusive policemen will be given justice.