CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Governor Lilia Pineda called for a meeting of the members of the Pampanga Bankers Association to discuss possible solution on reported robberies on bank clients last Tuesday.
This, in the light of the continuously growing number of robbery cases on bank clients after a transaction, both reported and not.
“As the governor of this province, I am getting more and more alarmed with these cases. The other day, my mom told me about one of my relatives who is in trauma because of a hold-up incident. What I am asking you now is to tell us what the Provincial Government and the police can do to help you minimize, if not eradicate, robbery cases,” says Pineda.
She said it is not enough that the customer is safe only inside the premises of the bank and during transaction when the real peril is outside the bank after they have withdrawn.
The governor disclosed that through the help of the provincial police office, additional policemen and patrols are to be deployed on commercial areas of Pampanga to guarantee peace and order in cities and towns.
Police and Army Action Centers were put up on town boundaries to implement security measures and serve as checkpoints to ensure safety of the residents in different towns.
“I thank everyone for coming here today to discuss these matters. I know we share the same concern for your clients because this is a serious matter that sometimes leads to death of robbery victims. Heighten your security and be vigilant to whoever enters and leaves your premises,” added Pineda.
In addition, 3rd District Board Member Rosve Henson urged the bankers to install high-powered CCTV systems to aid in security.
“I think it is time to test your security systems because we’ve been hearing reports about failing systems in some banks. Every once in a while, drills should be done to make sure your systems are still good,” Henson emphasized.
Regarding this, Danny Rosales, president of Pampanga Bankers Association, gave a positive response to the Provincial Government’s concern.
“In behalf of the members of the Bankers Association, we are glad that we have discussed this matter with the provincial government and we will try to do our best to safeguard our customers.”
“However, our means are very limited within our premises. I think it is best if the capitol could tap the municipalities and the police and make them provide additional security measures and police visibility within the area especially during peak hours. I’m very positive that these will create a huge difference in robbery cases,” Rosales disclosed.
In relation to this, Pampanga Mayors League President and Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco, 1st District Board Members Cherry Manalo and Cris Garbo, 2nd District Board Member Anthony Torres and 4th District Board Member Ric Yabut were present in the bankers’ meeting to help take action on the robbery issues.
By: BEA JEANNEL A. DELOS REYES
