Radaza restates her lack of confidence in top cop

CEBU, Philippines – For alleged utter lack of concern on the unstable peace and order situation in the city, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza yesterday reiterated her call for the immediate relief of Senior Supt. Mariano Natuel Jr. as city director.

"Peace and order is a major component in the engine of sustainable development. This is precisely the reason for the city government's continued support to the police elements in the frontlines. However, the peace and order drive in our city needs a new man at the helm," Radaza said in her opening letter addressed to Police Regional Director Lani-O Nerez.

Radaza cited the recent killing of a robbery suspect who was shot after his release from the detention cell last July 19, which is a meter away from the city police office.

The mayor said the city was put in the bad light when the incident happened.

Radaza said the incident is not an isolated case for the reason that last June, a suspected drug pusher was ambushed after posting bail.

In a regular press conference yesterday, Radaza asked Nerez for the submission of a list of five eligible nominees for the Natuel's replacement.

Radaza said Natuel has been in the city police office for more than two years now.

City and provincial police directors are supposed to stay in a particular post for only two years.

However, it is up to the Philippine National Police and local government units (LGU) to extend their tenures.

Under Republic Act No. 6975, provides that city and municipal mayors shall have the authority to choose the chief of police from a list of five eligible ones recommended by the provincial police director, preferably from the same province, city or municipality.

But Radaza said she is not interested in keeping Natuel at the position saying that "the new administration ought to be granted new leadership in the Lapu-Lapu PNP who shares our aspirations for a progressive, prosperous and a peaceful Lapu-Lapu City."

Asked what her preference is for city police director, the mayor said "not necessarily from Lapu-Lapu City." (THE FREEMAN)