CCPO revives "community cops"

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City police director Melvin Ramon Buenafe is reviving the policy of assigning at least one policeman in the city’s barangays to attend to the peace and order concerns of each place.

Buenafe yesterday told the barangay officials in a meeting at City Hall that they can choose their “community cop” although some barangay captains prefer that new policemen shall be detailed in their barangays.

“Maayo nga dunay polis nga madistino sa barangay kay sila maoy mouban sa mga tanod nga magpatrolya. Maka-boost man kana sa ilang morale,” Capitol Site barangay captain Manuel Guanzon said.

In the mountain barangay of Sinsin, barangay Captain Ramon Ilaya Jr. asked for a police detachment in his barangay to quickly respond to any troubles, but Buenafe explained that he cannot grant such request.

According to Buenafe if more troops are needed for a particular place, the community cop may directly ask for augmentation forces from the Cebu City police office.

Buenafe said the policemen that will be detailed in every barangay shall be the ones responsible for the security matters of the place.

“Kun unsay mahitabo diha sa dapit nga sila madistino, sila ang responsible,” Buenafe said.

Cogon-Ramos barangay captain Omar Durano said he wants a new police officer and a non-resident of the barangay to be assigned in their place.

“Maikog ta mosugo sa mga polis nga dia ra magpuyo sa barangay,” Durano said.

Some of the barangay captains asked whether the policemen that will be assigned in the barangays have their days off but Buenafe made himself as an example.

“Pananglit ako tua sa usa ka beach party, manubag gihapon ko sa mayor ug sa akong mga opisyal kun dunay mahitabo dinhi sa Cebu City,” he said.

The assignment of police officers in the barangays have been implemented several years ago, but it was stopped. This time, Buenafe wants to revive it upon the orders of Camp Crame. (FREEMAN)