Osmeña: Combat gear for SWAT not a priority

CEBU, Philippines — Saying he has other priorities, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is not spending P15 million to buy combat gear for the members of Special Weapons and Tactics team of the Cebu City Police Office.

Councilor Joel Garganera earlier sponsored a resolution allocating P15 million to buy 60 units of M16 or M14 rifle; 60 units of ballistic vest; and 60 units of ballistic helmet. Garganera said the resolution was approved on December 13, 2016 yet but was not acted upon until now.

“We have priorities; we focus what we’re doing first. The police are doing a good job, the lack of logistics is not a major issue,” Osmeña told reporters.

Garganera said the police need the new equipment amid the expected influx of tourists in Cebu due to the closure of Boracay.

Garganera said he will sponsor another resolution next week asking an update of his previous resolution. However, Osmeña said he has other priorities, like garbage, traffic, among others.

 “Am I going to sacrifice the wellbeing of the Cebuanos for the sake of the tourist? It’s not logistics of the police, why should it be a priority? The police have no money?” he said.

The mayor clarified that he is not against giving logistics to the police but there are priorities that he needs to address first. Garganera is also asking patrol vehicle for CCPO director Senior Supt. Joel Doria and his deputies.

Osmeña said the city government did not give Doria service vehicle because the police official allegedly did not want it.

 “Because he doesn’t want, Doria is a very simple guy, he can use any vehicle he wants,” Osmeña said. —/FPL (FREEMAN)