Cebu City to PNP: Retain Labra and Ylanan

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Council has asked the Philippine National Police Office to retain deputy city director Pablo Labra II and Chief Inspector George Ylanan, chief of the Investigation and Detection Management Branch. 

In yesterday's council session, chairman of the committee on peace and order Augustus "Jun" Pe Jr. said they are still confident on Labra and Ylanan's dedication to service especially in keeping the peace.

Pe's resolution was supported by Edgardo Labella, Jose Daluz III, Noel Wenceslao, Raul Alcoseba, Lea Japson, Sisinio Andales, Alvin Dizon, Roberto Cabarubias, Eduardo Rama, Nida Cabrera, Alvin Arcilla and Rengelle Pelayo.

"The members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Cebu has acknowledged the value and contribution of the dedicated service of Supt. Pablo Labra II and Chief Inspector Ylanan in keeping peace and order in the city," the resolution read.

Labra has been serving Cebu City for 19 years while Ylanan, 12 years. Both officers have received several awards and recognition.

The members of the council earlier grilled Cebu City Police Office Director Ramon Melvin Buenafe on the rumored relief of the two police officials based on their alleged involvement in the illegal drugs activities.

Buenafe, however, denied having ordered the relief of Labra and Ylanan. He explained that it was Labra who informed him ahead of his plan to take further studies so he can apply for promotion. Labra has been in school since October 27.

Sources said that Labra and Ylanan do not want to be transferred out of Cebu City.The City Council wants the two officials to serve Cebu City until they will be promoted.

In a separate interview with the reporters, Mayor Michael Rama said he does not want to get involved in the decision making, with Buenafe being the city police director and who has the direct supervision over the two police officials.

"Kung manghilabot pa ko, mahimo nalang ko aning police director o mag-station commander nalang ko," Rama said. (FREEMAN)