Danao politics affects local police

CEBU, Philippines - The political clash between Danao City Mayor Ramon Durano Jr. and his brother, Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III is not only affecting governance but the city’s police operations as well.

This is according to Chief Inspector Alvin Balio, chief of the Danao City Police Station.

Balio disclosed that the conflict has affected the budget appropriated for their office, which was reduced.

Since early this month, the internet connection of the police station was cut off. This prevents them from sending spot reports online to the Cebu Provincial Police Office.

Because of that, the city’s police are using their own computers or sends radio messages to the headquarters.

Balio added that their patrol car, which used to roam around the city’s barangays 24 hours a day, is now on standby in barangay Poblacion to save on gasoline.

“Amo na lang nang i-standby sa lugar where daghan ug tao unya ra namo gamiton in case dunay dagkong alarma,” Balio said.

But lawyer Gloria Lastimosa-Dalawampu, legal counsel of the mayor, said the problem is not with the mayor but with the council. This is because they have been submitting resolutions but these were rejected by the council.

Dalawampu said they already appropriated an annual budget for both casual employees and for the police operations but these were either rejected or revised.

“It is the legislative ang way support. Even the supplemental budget was rejected,” she said.

Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, chief of the CPPO, said he is now having constant communication with Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano.

Comendador said despite the political chaos in Danao, the PNP has to function and do its best to maintain peace and order.

A team from the Special Reaction Unit is now ready to augment the city’s police force in case of any trouble. — (FREEMAN)