PDA Official Statement
Stronger and Globally-Competitive Philippine Dentistry
The recent series of incidents involving some member- dentists of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) who were robbed, molested, raped or even killed by heartless criminal elements are quite alarming. The hierarchy of the PDA strongly condemns this barbaric and ruthless act of violence against our members.
We are coordinating with the police and other law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of the early resolution of these cases. We call on all our members to remain vigilant and to secure your respective clinics for your own security and safety. In line with this, we will be sending a memorandum circular to all chapters and affiliates nationwide with regard to the safety measures that they may undertake to prevent occurrence of these incident in the future.
Corollary to this, Public and Personal Safety Seminars will be conducted through the different conventions and conferences nationwide in coordination with the different police agencies.
We strongly urge the cooperation of people who may have any idea about the whereabouts of the suspect/s. Attached herewith is the sketch and the crime prevention and safety tips which were recommended by the local law enforcement agencies.
Dr. Roberto M. Tajonera
PDA President
Click to view:
Sketch of the Suspect
Initial Safety Measures/Prevention
thanks much for the warning and help.. past few months about all the robbery incidents are quite alarming.
here’s my observation to the incidents happen in our profession – for those who are victimized in their work place are not so concerned about there internal security – which could be priority in line of defensive practicing dentistry – popular and famous practitioner is highly hardened target in urbanized places are prone to this kind of attack or offense by this group or individual who himself maybe is a frustrated to become a practitioner of DMD,etc.
The perpetrators usually sends actual patients who will usually ask about other dentists in the area (addresses, location of clinics, other info not on the PDA directory which they use as target locator). This is to solicit trust from the clinic staff and to prepare for their next target. The syndicate is highly disciplined and seemed experienced in BI fieldwork. They will make sure about the no. of staff, the possible loot awaiting inside the clinic, the clinic schedule, foot traffic within the area, and the escape route. I believe that since this criminals are a mixed of professionals and amateurs (hence the rapes and molestations. Professionals usually stick to their original objective), bargaining with these monsters will be for naught. MAKE SURE THEY NEVER ENTER the clinic!
*post male guards or even SGs who will check on the patients belongings (bags, envelops, etc) to screen for concealed weapons. Asking patients to deposit their bags, cellulars, except other valuables I think will be appreciated by honest and real patients for mutual safety.
*Cameras, Alarm systems, tear gas, even guns, however safer they make us feel, are just actually deterrents. Preventing your actual audience with these animals is still and will always be paramount.
*Always use your 6th sense in determining who can be trusted. Always follow your hunch.
*Finally, DO pray really hard that this crisis will soon pass. As an old schoolmate told me just recently: “This is, among other things, an assault on our spirituality..it is a test of faith”
..I also would like to suggest to the PDA to lobby with the PNP to post police operatives (preferably women) disguised as ordinary patients inside clinics chosen at random to facilitate the apprehension of these heartless and demonic menace of our society. rmr