Mayor Raisa Treñas draws flak for extending help to robbery suspect's family
By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY – Neophyte Mayor Raisa Treñas of this city has drawn flak for announcing her administration is extending help to the family of a suspect in a robbery incident that victimized the wife of a former provincial police chief.
“Oh my God!” exclaimed retired Police Col. Cornelio Salinas Jr., whose wife was held at gunpoint during a robbery in a popular mall’s parking lot on Wednesday evening, Sept. 3.
MAYOR Treñas (Iloilo City PIO)
“Buligan naton ang pamilya sang suspek, ilabi na iya asawa maka-recover sa trauma (Let’s help the family of the suspect, especially his wife, recover from the trauma),” said Treñas in a now deleted statement.
Raisa and her husband came to the headquarters of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) when the suspect known as alias “Fil-Am” was arrested last Thursday evening, Sept. 4.
After the arrest, Treñas’ official Facebook page posted a photo of her speaking to the suspect and city police chief Police Col. Kim Legada.
Another photo shows the city mayor having her arms around what appears to be family members of the suspect.
These photos can no longer be seen in her official Facebook page as of Sept. 7.
Ilonggos were aghast by the mayor’s statement and actions.
“Wrong. Very wrong,” wrote Rone R.
“First time in my life I heard that the government will help the suspect’s family,” noted Sixto H.
Ilonggos said the mayor’s statement and actions seem to be sending the wrong message and encouraging people to commit crimes as the city government under her administration will extend help.
With the public backlash, the mayor issued another statement on Saturday.
“The city stands ready to provide any further assistance they may need,” Treñas’ said.
She noted her administration has referred the suspect’s minor child to the mental health program of the city government for psychosocial support.
Robbery charges were filed against the 39-year-old suspect on Saturday.
Victim Dr. Maria Lulu Divinah Salinas was accompanied by her husband Cornelio, a former director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).