City council honors outgoing CCPO chief

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council yesterday commended outgoing Cebu City Police Office director Sr. Supt. Mariano Natu-el, Jr. for two reasons.

One is for the biggest illegal drugs buy-bust operation this year and the other for his service rendered as head of the city’s police force.

Personally receiving the commendation was Natu-el who graced the legislative session together with Criminal Intelligence Branch (CIB) head Chief Inspector Romeo Santander and his team.

The police officials were asked to stand up and recognized followed by a brief photo opportunity with the council members.

In a resolution authored by Councilor Richie Osmeña which was unanimously approved by council members present, Natu-el was commended “for his invaluable performance and leadership as the Director of the Cebu City Police Office from January to July 31, 2013.”

Furthermore, the resolution expressed gratitude over the outgoing officer’s contribution to maintaining peace and order in Cebu City.

“The City of Cebu is grateful to have P/S Superintendent Mariano Natuel Jr. as Cebu City Police Director and wishes him the best as he takes on a larger assignment where his peacekeeping prowess and tactical abilities could be best exemplified at the regional office,” Osmeña continued.

Another resolution still authored by Osmeña which the council passed yesterday was to  recognize and commend the successful anti-illegal drugs operation that led to the arrest of considered big-time pusher in the city.

Santander and his team was able to seize P7.8 million worth of shabu during buy-bust operation at Sitio Bularan, Barangay Sawang Calero, Cebu City last July 19, 2013.

“A police force that is efficient and devoted to their duties as exhibited by the CCPO most especially in the City Intelligence Branch motivates the rest of the police force and the citizenry, especially the youth, to uphold peace and order as well as promote the crusade against illegal drugs thereby repose trust and confidence towards our law enforcement agencies,” the resolution read.

Natu-el will be replaced by Sr. Supt. Noli Romana, the top pick of Mayor Michael Rama, with the formal turnover ceremony happening on August 2. Natu-el was honored by the commendation from the city council.

“It’s a distinct opportunity to be awarded by a civilian sector particularly from the city government, so it’s a very big honor to receive commendation from them,” Natu-el said. —  (FREEMAN)