Romana formally assumes CCPO post

CEBU, Philippines - Controversial Senior Supt. Noli Romana formally assumed as director of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) in a turn-over ceremony at the CCPO headquarters yesterday morning while the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7 also held a turn-over ceremony to acknowledge their new chief, Senior Supt. Ritchie Medardo Posadas.

Romana, formerly officer-in-charge of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO), replaced Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el, Jr., who has served CCPO for seven months.

Romana’s appointment to CCPO was delayed and underwent issues; most notable was his reassignment from NOPPO for allegedly failing to curb illegal gambling in his jurisdiction. Insinuations also surfaced out that illegal gambling and illegal drugs will rise in Cebu City with his assumption.

“Let me speak for the record: I did not come here for any vested personal interest,” said Romana in his speech yesterday.

With the recent issues including criticisms that were thrown at him, Romana said the pressure is magnified tenfold and he is aware that expectations on him are very high.

“Let this be a stern warning. I’ll use my experience in intelligence and investigation to make sure that cases are filed and dismissal from service will be guaranteed. This will be relentless effort from here on,” said Romana, referring to erring police officers.

Among the other things that he will implement in CCPO is the “police sa barangay” and the conduct of regular trainings, he said.

“Let’s not falter and put strength to each other,” said Romana, as he called on the CCPO personnel to work with him. Being the chief of Cebu City police has been his dream since 29 years ago, he said, the first time he set foot in the city.

The new CCPO director thanked DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, PNP Chief Alan Purisima, and former Police Regional Office 7 director Marcelo Garbo, Jr., who ordered his relief, for endorsing him and eventually processing his appointment documents.

As for Natu-el, he called on the CCPO personnel to give Romana the same hospitality and support that he has received since he assumed the post in January 1.

“We all belong to the same force, we all share the same values and that is to serve and protect the people. With all the support we need, I know that Cebu City will remain to be a safer place to stay,” he said.

Natu-el then narrated a story about two mice that fell into a bucket of cream. One of the mice gave up and drowned, while the second mouse didn’t quit.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as of this moment, I am that second mouse. I am glad that I have done my best despite my very peculiar situation. I walk out of this office here today happy and with a sense of fulfillment. As we dawn a new chapter in our respective careers, I hope that you will remember me, Sr. Supt. Mariano Natu-el, Jr., the mouse that struggled, the man that happily got away,” said Natu-el, ending his speech.

New PRO-7 director Danilo Constantino assured to find a “position of trust and responsibility” in PRO 7 for Natu-el.

Cebu City Vice mayor Edgardo Labella, who attended the turnover ceremony, pointed out that they appreciate Natu-el’s performance in CCPO, but they abide by the rule of law so they appointed Romana.

At CIDG 7, Senior Supt. Eddie Benigay formally relinquished his post to Posadas, formerly chief of Police Center for Aviation Security 7.  (FREEMAN)