By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced plans for the city to procure stun guns for the police force for use in appropriate situations.
This decision comes after authorities faced challenges in subduing a woman, allegedly mentally ill, who was armed with a bladed weapon and caused a disturbance in Barangay Villamonte, disrupting traffic flow a few weeks ago.
A video posted on social media shows Arnold Malba, a passerby, subduing the woman from behind to prevent her from causing harm, just as he happened to pass through the area.
The city took some time to identify and locate him, as he left the scene quickly after authorities took control of the situation.
On Monday, Benitez commended Malba for going the extra mile to assist a fellow citizen. “It’s not easy for an ordinary citizen to act beyond what is asked of them,” the mayor said, adding that this will be part of the city’s “Be the Change” program, which commends and recognizes the good deeds of citizens who make a significant public service effort.
Malba, a former security guard, received an undisclosed cash reward and a certificate of appreciation from Benitez. Previously, he had also received P10,000 and a certificate of recognition from Councilor Al Victor Espino.
Benitez also recalled a past incident where a citizen was praised for exposing individuals caught stealing a manhole cover last year.
Benitez expressed the city’s intention to appropriately recognize individuals who go above and beyond to assist the city.
Given the incident’s uniqueness, Benitez stated he would request that the police acquire stun guns.
“This situation was not straightforward. They were unable to act in cases like this,” he added.
Benitez indicated the city’s intention to procure stun guns for law enforcement to use in similar instances.
He noted that stun guns cost between P150,000 and P300,000 each and stated that one would be provided to each of the city’s ten police stations.
