By Alyanna Gabas and Yra Suarin
The Dumaguete City Police is strengthening its efforts by implementing pre-emptive measures to reduce crime following a stabbing incident at Quezon Park last Jan. 14.
In the recent incident, a 22-year-old woman was stabbed by an identified suspect, who left no trace during the stabbing due to the absence of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.
According to Chief Executive Senior Police Officer Orlando Elli Gonzaga, they had to check for other CCTV cameras in the area to trace the suspect.
“Nasubay namo tungod kay through CCTV, at first kay wala pami [ebidensya], then among gisubay pud tong naay mga areas na naay CCTV, […], mao tong naka kuan mi na siya jod diay. High on drugs siya atong panahona,” he said.
(We saw through the CCTV, at first we didn’t have evidence, then we also checked the areas that had CCTV, […], which helped us confirm that it was indeed him. He was high on drugs that time.)
The lack of CCTV cameras in various areas of the city continues to be a major security challenge, especially in crowded locations.
“Mag conduct ta ug ten times nga police checkpoints in the day […] We also conducted kaning mga galugad nato na mangadto mi sa mga areas nga kato gyung strategic areas nga para jod nato ma prevent,” he noted.
(We will conduct ten police checkpoints in a day […] We also conducted operations where we went to strategic areas that are crucial for prevention.)
Moreover, he stated that the city’s safety is assured with the “help of the community.”
Gonzaga emphasized that Dumaguete City is among “the safest places in the Philippines,” particularly known for conducting secure elections last time.
“Katong hitaboa kay makaingon kog isolated case… na gather pud nato sa imbestigasyon is ang katawo is under kaning morag gi-term nato as ‘sick mind’, wala siya sa iyang sakto na paghuna-huna atong pagbuhat niya ato.” he said.
(That incident can be considered an isolated case… and based on our investigation, we have gathered that the individual involved is classified under what we term as having a ‘sick mind,’ meaning he was not in the right state of mind when he committed the act.)
An isolated case refers to an incident that is uncommon, especially if the victim has no connections with the perpetrator.
Despite security concerns, a local resident stated that the city remains generally safe, though individuals with suspicious behavior can still be found in certain areas.
“Safe raman ang [Dumaguete] pero naa giapon creeps bisag unsaon; pero atleast safer sha compared to other places here sa Philippines,” she said.
(Dumaguete is generally safe, but there are still some creeps around; however, it remains safer compared to other places in the Philippines.)
The lack of CCTV in key areas of Dumaguete remains a concern, but authorities are strengthening its security through investigations, police operations, and community cooperation.
A key area refers to a high-priority location that requires security monitoring due to its significance, high foot traffic, or potential risk for crimes.
