Rama hopes to start new term with new city police director

CEBU, Philippines - Following his meeting with PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima earlier this week, re-elected Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is hoping the new city chief of police starts along with his second term of office.

“I hope that the new chief of police starts earlier so that plans can be laid,” Rama told reporters.

Rama said he personally told Purisima of his personal choice on the new chief come his second term, which is Sr. Supt. Noli Roman.

Roman has been Rama’s choice since Sr. Supt. Melvin Buenafe left for Camp Crame.

“I reiterated my choice. I choose Roman because he was endorsed by Buenafe and I got to interview him. Besides, I have not heard of any negative feedback about him,” the mayor said.

He added that the incoming Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) chief has to preferably have his approval considering they will be closely working with each other to ensure peace and order in the city.

While looking forward to a new CCPO chief, Rama stressed he does not have anything personal against current OIC chief Mariano Natuel, Jr.

Apart from having a new CCPO chief accompanying his fresh mandate, the mayor also hopes to finally transform barangay Kamagayan, known and noted to be a hotspot for crime and other illegal activities.

“I have always emphasized the need to transform and develop Kamagayan, specifically the Citi Center, which is known to be housing illegal settlers and activities. If we improve that area, I assure it will lead towards transformation of the entire Kamagayan community,” he explained.

With the rehabilitation of city-owned Citi Center came the mayor’s vision of expanding road networks in the area together with strengthened police visibility.

The suspect for mauling and shooting of Fuente police officer PO2 Gerlito Estremos was arrested in Kamagayan.

Another hotspot for petty crimes and even shootings is Carbon area.

With this, the mayor is eyeing a transfer of the Carbon Police Station to a more strategic location where officers can easily respond to alarms and incidents.— (FREEMAN)