Young tells Buenafe to retain Labra, Ylanan

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu City Police Office director Ramon Melvin Buenafe found himself on a hot seat before the members of the city council yesterday when he appeared to defend the P2 million budget he requested for the repair of the CCPO headquarters.

The council yesterday conducted the budget hearing on the proposed supplemental budget no. 5 for the general fund and supplemental budget no. 4 for the special account.

The members of the council found the opportunity to grill Buenafe not only on his request but also on the rumored relief of deputy city director for operations Supt. Pablo Labra II and Chief Insp. George Ylanan, chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young asked Buenafe to shed light on the reported relief of the two police officials based on their alleged involvement in the illegal drugs activities.

Young told Buenafe that the members of the city council want him to retain the two officials because they enjoy their "full trust and confidence."

Buenafe however denied having ordered the relief of Labra and Ylanan. He explained that Labra informed him ahead of his plan to take schooling so he can apply for promotion.

"He also told me that he wanted to transfer to another assignment because he has been with Cebu City for so long and it's not healthy for his career," Buenafe said.

But Young said their source told them that Labra and Ylanan do not want to be transferred to any other place.

"I did not talk to them personally but our source told us that they don't want to be transferred, that they want to stay here as much as possible. They said there was really an order but you did not sign it because Congress Tommy questioned it," Young said.

Labra is currently schooling since October 27. (FREEMAN)