The plan was reportedly to lock up the family members in the village while village leaders questioned them. But for their own safety, Punta Gorda Police decided to transport them to town. Residents believe that these family members have been assisting the fugitive, and as you’ve seen, they are not afraid to do what it takes to get the answers they seek. But while those residents feel that the end will justify the means, Officer Commanding the Punta Gorda Police Station Simeon Alvarez has a different opinion. He states clearly that the villagers had no authority to do what they did, and that they should step aside and let the Police handle it the right way.
Supt. Simeon Alvarez, Officer Commanding, Punta Gorda Formation
Supt. Simeon Alvarez
“As I explained to the Alcalde yesterday when I arrived in Columbia, they have no authority in detaining the family of the suspect. I explained to him, and to inform his followers, that what they are doing is an offence. They could be sued by these family members. But because of their conduct and their behaviour last night, in the best interest of the family I decided to bring them to the Punta Gorda Police Station for an interview, and after that they will be released with an advice to tell them how to carry on with their lives until the suspect is apprehended. The public in general out there cannot dictate the operational performance of a Police Officer. I was on the ground yesterday and I saw that my Policemen were in the jungle in search. Columbia is a very wide area, and at this stage, unless there is valuable information that the suspect is at a particular location…then, with the assistance of the BDF we would go into the area. But at this time if there is no direct information as to where the suspect is, there is no need to get the BDF out there at this time. Presently as we speak, another team of fifteen officers is on the ground again. This is day three in search of this suspect because we would be comfortable enough that we get him before the residents of that community locate that suspect, because last night they were out with sticks, with batons. I don’t know what is their purpose.”
Later in the newscast, we will show you the vigil held for Coc, who as we said was laid to rest today.
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