ILOILO CITY -- Acting Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III is expecting a progress report this week on alleged abductions here.
Espinosa, in his message during Monday's flag-raising ceremony, called on the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to intensify their monitoring even as he assured that the city government “is willing to help” as much as it can to assist them.
Several child abduction attempts have been reported in several districts of this city.
The latest reported kidnap attempt took place on the night of September 29 in Barangay Ungka II in Pavia, an adjacent municipality of this city. The 19-year-old victim was waiting for a passenger jeepney when she was pushed inside a black van. Fortunately, she was able to escape.
In a follow-up interview, Espinosa said the report is yet “to be clarified and confirmed” and he wanted to hear from the Philippine National Police (PNP) this Wednesday.
“I would like to hear what their actions are, what are they planning to solve or minimize so our public will not be worried,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was a no-show during the flag-raising ceremony.
He was expected to resume office on Monday following the culmination of his sick leave on September 30.
Espinosa, in an interview, said that he has yet to know any developments. However, he said that by “operations of law” he acts as acting in case the mayor goes on leave exceeding three days.
“I am acting mayor until the mayor comes back,” he said. (PNA)
