Cormar stays as CCDRRMO chief despite retirement

CEBU, Philippines — Mayor Nestor Archival has directed Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) chief Aderson Comar to stay put despite reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.

Comar told The Freeman that he turned 65 on January 17, which should have marked his last day in government service under Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules.

Instead of retiring quietly, Comar spent his birthday in Barangay Binaliw, overseeing retrieval operations for victims of the deadly trash slide.

“Retire ko atong Jan. 17. But pag-estorya atong niaging Thursday ang instruction ni mayor, padayon, stay put… as is, where is,” Comar said.

CSC regulations mandate compulsory retirement at 65, although extensions may be granted if the appointing authority issues a formal directive or designates the official as co-terminus, according to Comar.

However, Comar admitted he has yet to receive any memorandum extending his tenure, designating him as officer in charge, or naming another official to lead the CCDRRMO.

“Lisod e lihok-lihok ug walay order, kay ma-technical man ta,” he said, noting that he has refrained from signing new documents since his birthday, except those prepared beforehand.

While he still needs to process his retirement papers, Comar said the mayor may opt to extend his service for three months, a year, or appoint him as a co-terminus official.

“Depende na na sa mayor… willing na pud ta mu give up kay 65 naman,” he said, stressing that he does not wish to overstay but will continue to serve if requested.

Comar is a retired fire marshal and has had a long career in emergency response. He also previously served as executive director of the city’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (PROBE) office before being reassigned to disaster management “for the exigency of public service.”