Rama’s choice likely to assume CCPO post

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. said Senior Supt. Noli Romana will most likely assume as city police director since he is Mayor Michael Rama’s bet.

Although Mayor Michael Rama had already received the letter from Garbo recommending five senior police officials to head the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the mayor has yet to announce his choice.

“Sige lang ako usa nga tan-awon kay at least makakita na ko nga anaa na ko’y kapilian, kalami ana kay sa dugay kaayo ko nga papilion,” he said. (At least they have now given me a list of choices.)

Rama has been eyeing Romana, the incumbent director of Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO), whose name was in the list submitted to the mayor’s office only yesterday morning.

Apart from Romana, the other police officers included in the list were Senior Superintendents Mariano Natu-el Jr, the current CCPO director; Marciano Batiancila, chief of the Regional Headquarters and Services Group; Erson Digal, current chief of the Regional Operations and Plans Division, and Valenzuela City Police director Roderick Armamento.

Rama wanted Camp Crame to appoint Romana, having been recommended to him by former city police director Melvin Ramon Buenafe.

Romana, for his part, could only wait for the next developments.

“Right now, I still do not know. I leave it to higher headquarters what would be their decisions. I leave it to God whatever happens because only God is in control of everything,” said Romana.

Yesterday, Garbo had said he is not satisfied with the performance of Romana at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) in terms of anti-illegal gambling operations.

“Based on performance evaluation, there are still lots of illegal gambling in Negros Oriental. We’re keen on this matter because this is the marching order of (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas,” Garbo said.

Garbo ordered the relief of Romana’s subordinates, SPO1 Somaza Vilan and SPO2 Edwin Pineda, who were allegedly involved in illegal gambling operations in Negros Oriental.

“With all humility, I accept that, and we learn so much from these mistakes or the shortcomings and there’s still time to improve. With all humility, I wish I could have really done more,” said Romana.

Romana said their efforts in NOPPO are actually focused on illegal gambling and illegal drugs and they also have some accomplishments since he assumed the position in January 17.

“The all-out-war against illegal gambling requires much participation from the community but then siguro, maganda na rin na na-exprience ko iyon. Now I see our objectives and the campaign in a better perspective. I wish I will be given more chance,” the NOPPO head said.

The mayor refused to comment when asked about the relief of Romana’s subordinates in Negros Oriental. (FREEMAN)