By Alwen Saliring

THE minority floor leader of the Cagayan de Oro City Council is "still" apprehensive in the proposal of arming a group of civilians that would help authorities in curbing criminality following the recent crimes that happened in the city.

Councilor James Judith said there might be legal impediments in organizing a Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) composed of 88 civilians to augment local authorities in checkpoints and in conducting foot patrol.

During the regular session on Monday, Councilor Edgar Cabanlas raised the suggestion of the authorities to increase the number of military personnel in the Task Force Oro.

He said there was a suggestion to organize a SCAA to be trained by the military for 45 days.

"They will be under the command and control of the army. This is what is done in Davao, Zamboanga, GenSan and Valencia. Medyo naulahi ta,"

However, Judith said the intention is laudable but he worries of the legal complications.

"Ang katuyuan maayo. Walay problema sa ako pero naa ko nakita nga bikil," he said.

"Galisod man gani ta og pagsugyot nga armahan ang mga tanod naa na hinoon grupo nga lagi ibutang sa Task Force Oro pero unsa kalainan sa tanod nga dili pwede tungod sa legal complications,"he added.