CPPO head relieved

CEBU, Philippines — After serving six months and 10 days, Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Acting Director Police Colonel Jovito Atanacio has been relieved from office.

This was confirmed in a post by the Cebu Police Provincial Office Facebook page yesterday, July 8.

“The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) solemnly and gratefully bids farewell to PCOL. JOVITO M. ATANACIO, a leader whose six months and ten days of dedicated service will forever be remembered not only for what was accomplished but for how it was achieved with courage, sincerity, and unwavering devotion to the people of Cebu,” wrote the post.

Under Atanacio’s helm as CPPO head, over P213.7 million worth of illegal drugs were seized and 2,775 drug personalities were arrested during the 2,127 anti-illegal drugs operations conducted across the province.

Meanwhile, 2,061 warrants were also successfully served among the 1,905 operations enforced against wanted persons in the province, wherein 141 of them were classified as “Most Wanted Persons."

Another 3,117 violators were also imprisoned due to illegal gambling and other vice-driven criminalities.

A total of 1,562 loose firearms were recovered from the possession of at least 353 individuals, who were apprehended for alleged illegal possession of firearms. The figures resulted in a 7.76 percent crime reduction in Cebu Province.

The CPPO extended its gratitude to Atanacio for his leadership, service, and contributions to the province.

“He also uplifted CPPO internally, ensuring that administrative systems, personnel welfare, and recognition programs like “Salamat Kapatid” were not afterthoughts but essential pillars of a police organization that values not just performance, but people,” CPPO said in a post.

“PCol. Jovito M. Atanacio departs with the respect, admiration, and gratitude of an entire province. His name will be remembered, not only for the victories achieved but for the kindness shown, the lives touched, and the example set,” CPPO added.

Atanacio initially served as the officer-in-charge of the CPPO, following the term of former Provincial Director Police Colonel Percival Zorilla. Atanacio later assumed the post as the chief of CPPO last January this year.

As of this writing, the reason behind Atanacio's relief as well as his possible reassignment is yet to be determined.

The Freeman also tried to reach out the camp of Atanacio but to no avail. — JG (FREEMAN)