AKYAT-BAHAY IN TABUK: Atty. Comafay seeks PNP inquiry amid string of theft, break-in incidents

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — City Councilor Atty. Errol B. Comafay Jr. is seeking a legislative inquiry into the series of theft and robbery incidents in Tabuk City, including reported “akyat-bahay” cases, to determine how the police are addressing the crimes and what measures the city council can enact to help prevent them.

Comafay submitted a proposed resolution on Thursday, October 15, requesting the invitation of the Tabuk City chief of police to the next session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for an inquiry in aid of legislation.

In a statement posted on social media, Comafay said the inquiry aims to determine the crime prevention initiatives being implemented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in response to the reported incidents and identify possible legislative measures that could support police efforts.

The proposed resolution states that theft and robbery incidents have occurred in the city in recent months, including cases in which intruders allegedly enter houses to steal residents’ belongings.

It also cited the financial losses suffered by victims and the fear and insecurity these incidents cause among the public.

Through the inquiry, the council seeks to assess the police response and determine what local legislation could help strengthen crime prevention efforts in the city.

The proposed resolution has yet to be shown as approved in the document provided.

Recent reported cases illustrate the concerns cited in the proposed measure. On October 5, a 24-year-old working student reportedly lost ₱2,200 after someone allegedly entered his boarding room in Dagupan West while he and his brother were asleep.

In another incident, two unidentified individuals allegedly entered a residence along Balinag Street in Purok 3, Bulanao Norte, on September 22 and stole two mobile phones, ATM cards and identification cards. The victim also reported unauthorized withdrawals from his online bank accounts.

A homeowner in Dagupan Centro also reported losing ₱18,000 in cash, a tablet, a cellphone and a wallet after a suspected thief allegedly entered the property in the early hours of July 26.

These incidents underscore the concerns over the security of homes and personal belongings that Comafay wants the city council and police to address through the proposed inquiry.