Mayor Beng Climaco has directed the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) headed by Col. Tomas Joseph Martir and the Joint Task Force Zamboanga (JTF) under Col. Antonio Divinagracia to launch a crackdown on illegal drag racing in Zamboanga City.

Climaco issued the directive in the wake of a policeman’s killing while trying to run after a group of youngsters engaged in drag racing at Vitaliano Agan Road, formerly Nuñez Extension, before dawn of Oct. 13.

“We will not tolerate drag racing in the city, given that the perpetrators have caused violence against our law enforcers,” the chief executive declared at the press briefing Monday.

“That is why, with the call of the barangay officials, we’ve also asked TFZ to help in the apprehension of those violating the laws, particularly drag racers, who endanger their own lives by that activity,” she added.

At the same time, Climaco expressed the city government’s deepest condolences to the family of Patrolman Pedro Umpad, “who has given his life in the line of duty to make sure that the citizens of Zamboanga are safe.”

“He has paid the ultimate sacrifice with his life and we urge every Zamboangueño to pray for him that justice will be done,” she said of Pat. Umpad.

As local chief executive, Climaco said she had directed Police Station 11 chief PMaj Elmer Solon together with city police director Martir to ensure that appropriate charges be filed against Umpad’s killers.

Patrolman Umpad was on duty, trying to run after the youngsters engaged in drag racing, when the gunman on board a motorcycle shot him dead.

Three days later on Oct. 16, the police arrested the gunman identified as Madz Sarwana, 31, married, a native of Tawi-Tawi, and his accomplice, a certain Alsid Jakaria Ismael, believed to be the motorcycle driver. –(Vic Larato)