Central Visayas solons want Roderos to "stay for the moment"

CEBU - Representatives of Central Visayas have requested Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno to “maintain the status quo” of the leadership of PRO-7 regional director Ronald Roderos.

In a letter dated January 27, the congressmen in the region expressed they would want Roderos to “stay for the moment even if his tour of duty in PRO-7 is about to end.”

Roderos earlier said he wants to serve in Central Visayas, particularly in Cebu, until he retires in 2010. But he added that his stint will all depend on PNP chief Jesus Versoza.

“We are however disturbed by the information that major changes will be effected on the leadership of PRO-7. We would like to request Sec. Puno to maintain Roderos’ status quo for the moment,” the letter, furnished to Versoza, read.

According to the congressmen, the command and staff of PRO-7 are worthy of admiration because of the significant accomplishments of their men and women in uniform.

“Their able leadership has translated to the felt, significant and consistent reduction of crimes, as well as the notable decline of the insurgency movement. Their well-planned and executed security operations contributed to the successful and peaceful hosting of international, national, and local events in the region,” the letter further read.

The request was signed by the solons of Region 7, except Cebu sixth district Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz; however she already expressed earlier her support to have the status quo of Roderos maintained.

Those who signed are House deputy speakers Pablo Garcia and Raul del Mar, Cebu first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas, Pablo John Garcia of the third district, Benhur Salimbangon (4th district), Ramon “Red” Durano VI (5th district), and Antonio Cuenco of the Cebu City south district; Edgar Chatto of the first district of Bohol, Roberto Cajes (2nd district), and Adam Relson Jala (3rd district); Jocelyn Limkaichong of the first district of Oriental Negros, George Arnaiz (2nd district), and Pyrde Henry Teves (3rd district); as well as Orlando Fua of the lone district of Siquijor.

If it is necessary for the change of leadership, they requested that only officers who are already acquainted with the peculiarities of the area, political and psychosocial terrain, as well as economic and peace and order condition, will be assigned.

Also, if the PNP will have a change of leadership, they are asking that they will be given preference in the selection in order “to give meaning to the localization effort.”

Meanwhile, Cebu Provincial Police Office director Carmelo Valmoria said they will be sending letters to the mayors of Naga City and Danao City on the move to replace the chief of police in these cities.

The letter includes the names of probable officers to take over the current chief of police of the two cities. Valmoria said that instead of furnishing five names, which they mentioned earlier, only three names will be provided.

Valmoria clarified that Supt. Renato Malazarte is already on his seventh year as chief of police in Naga City while Supt. Larson Dechino, Danao City chief of police, is on his third year.

The move would allow others in the service, also deserving of the post, to perform the tasks of a police chief, Valmoria said. — Garry B. Lao and Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)