Mayor’s support to robbery suspect’s family sparks mixed reactions

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu’s move to extend assistance to the family of a robbery suspect has sparked mixed public reactions, with some warning it may send the wrong message.

The controversy followed Treñas-Chu’s remarks after the arrest of a 39-year-old man accused of robbing a physician at a mall’s open parking area last week.

The suspect, who has a wife and child, was apprehended on the night of September 4, just over 24 hours after the incident.

While the husband must face the law, the affected family should not be abandoned, the mayor said.

“Buligan naton ang pamilya sang suspek, ilabi na ang iya asawa, nga maka-recover sa trauma. Ang ginhimo sang iya bana indi gid husto kag dapat niya sabton, pero indi naton pagpabay-an ang pamilya nga apektado sang sini nga insidente,” she said.

The mayor also emphasized that she “deeply empathizes with the victim and the victim’s family.”

Although she clarified that the suspect must be held accountable, her comments drew contrasting views from the public.

Some commended the mayor’s approach as compassionate and restorative, especially in considering the emotional toll on the suspect’s innocent family.

Others, however, criticized the gesture, saying it could embolden future crimes if perpetrators believe their families would receive government support.

One of those visibly upset was former Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Cornelio Salinas, husband of the victim, who reacted curtly when asked about the mayor’s stance.

“Oh my God. Next question,” he said during an interview on September 6 at the Iloilo City Hall of Justice before the filing of charges against the suspect.

Later that day, Treñas-Chu issued another statement reaffirming her commitment to justice and expressing continued support for the victim’s family.

“We understand the strong emotions brought by the recent holdup incident,” she said, adding that swift cooperation led to the suspect’s arrest and case filing.

“Justice must be served, and the suspect must answer before the proper courts.”

The mayor also extended her sympathy to the victim’s family, recognizing the “trauma, pain, and fear” they experienced.

She assured them that the city government would continue assisting them throughout their recovery process.

Treñas-Chu added that the suspect’s child, a minor, has been referred to the city’s mental health program for psychosocial support.

“In situations like this, there are innocents who are unwillingly dragged into the consequences,” she said.

“Criminality has no place in our city,” Treñas-Chu stressed, adding, “Those who commit crimes will always be held accountable. Crime does not pay.”