Crime scene preservation

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Department of Local and Interior Government Secretary Mar Roxas was  fuming at the way the Cagayan De Oro police handled the scene of the crime where an explosive attack on a busy restaurant killed eight and injured 48 people last Friday.

The blast occurred outside Candy’s Café and Kyla’s Bistro at the Rosario Arcade at the Limketkai Center, 11:10 p.m.  on Friday, July 26. By the time Secretary Roxas arrived on Saturday afternoon, the area had already been cleared, apparently upon orders from by the establishment owners. Given that this cowardly act killed eight, including a Misamis Oriental provincial board member, two doctors and a lawyer; and injured 48 more; it is easy to understand the disappointment of Secretary Roxas at how the local police were unable to secure and preserve the crime scene to allow investigators and experts to thoroughly process the area for clues that could be vital to the investigation.

Roxas became frustrated after learning that the scene of the explosion had been cleaned up without police clearance, and lectured city police chief Senior Superintendent Graciano Mejares on how to properly investigate bombing incidents.

Cagayan De Oro may be one of the more peaceful cities in Mindanao, but it is still a major city in an area that is still considered as a hotspot. If the police there are obviously unprepared to properly deal with, and investigate a bombing incident, what does it say about the preparedness and operational capabilities of police officials in other supposedly more peaceful areas, if ever similar situations should occur?

In the wake of the CDO blast that has been followed by another blast after just two days at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan town, North Cotabato, that, thankfully did not involve any casualties, police officials all over the country may have to be reviewed on the proper procedures in securing and preserving the scene of bombing incidents, and other crimes, so that investigations can be undertaken thoroughly and properly.*