Oriental Negros Philippine National Police director, Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, said he is against the proposal to cripple snatchers or hold-uppers caught in the act of committing crimes.

This was Buenafe's reaction to the comment made by Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices that the proposal to cripple snatchers or hold-uppers would be a good idea to stop criminals who go in and out of detention, from continuing to victimize Negrenses.

Perdices said he believes the proposal will be a good alternative to calls to adopt the summary execution style against criminals in Davao City.

But the provincial police director said they will abide by the law and follow only the legal means against known criminals.

Buenafe said the PNP will continue to uphold the law and will not employ extra-judicial means against lawless elements because these could lead to abuse. But, he said, if the proposal to cripple identified criminals becomes legal, then he will implement it despite its implications.

On the proposal to keep the stolen items retrieved from a snatcher or hold-upper in police custody, Buenafe said this idea will still be studied.*RG

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