New CPPO chief to continue drug war

CEBU, Philippines — The new Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director warned drug personalities to cease their activities as the crackdown on illegal drugs continues.

“Let’s give the community the peace of mind na walang magnanakaw sa kanila o mananakit sa kanila while walking. Ang warning ko sa kanila ay tumigil na sila,” said Police Colonel Roderick Mariano.

Mariano officially replaced his Philippine National Police Academy Patnupay class of 1995 classmate, Colonel Manuel Abrugena, in a turn-over ceremony yesterday at Camp Arcadio Maxilom camp in Barangay Lahug.

Abrugena will take over Mariano’s post at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) Director Debold Sinas said that he told Mariano to uphold the directives of PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde against gambling, smuggling and the acceptance of protection money.

He also urged Mariano to become an example to his men by abiding by basic rules such as the wearing of proper uniform, not using cellphones while at work, and not sleeping while on duty.

“I think he will be fine. He has training and background and I think he is capable,” said Sinas. “He is from NCRPO so he knows the problem and the ins and outs.”

Sinas said that it is up to Mariano to replace the 18 cops relieved from the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) following the reported misencounter that killed Police Corporal Feliciano Yballe Jr. After their reinstatement, only 16 of the 18 cops opted to stay as PIB operatives. The other two cops requested a reassignment to another police unit in the region.

Mariano, who was recently the Chief of the Presidential Security Force Unit, mostly did administrative work and trained neophyte cops before this Cebu assignment – his first in the region.

“Whatever the instructions, it will happen, and whatever the community needs we will do our best to do it, along with the support of the media and the community,” he said.

During his speech, Sinas said he is confident that Mariano can deliver and even exceed the accomplishments of Abrugena, who sat as CCPO director since May 2018.

Abrugena’s term

During Abrugena’s stint, CCPPO seized round P288 million worth of suspected shabu and 598 grams of marijuana leaves, while 5,198 cases were filed for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Board of 2002.

For possession of unlicensed firearms, 1,310 firearms were recovered, 97 persons were arrested, and 459 cases were filed in court.

CPPO also confiscated P425,000 worth of cash proceeds from illegal gambling and filed 1,061 cases for illegal gambling obligations.

In illegal fishing, 448 were arrested, 50 were charged in court and 65 were referred to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

In illegal logging, 104 were arrested, 55 were charged, and 28 were referred to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

CPPO arrested 2,166 wanted persons, killed nine during operation and had 19 surrenders.

Abrugena though doesn’t call it mission accomplished, citing scalawag cops and unsolved high-profile cases among his unfinished businesses. (FREEMAN)