Police tap security guards to combat crimes

CEBU, Philippines -  Security guards in Lapu-Lapu City were tapped by the police in their fight against criminality, especially  concerning those visiting tourists.

The initiative started during the administration of former city police chief Sr. Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas and now continued by Acting City Police Chief Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc.

During the term of office of Lawas, he organized security guards in Lapu-Lapu City, most of them assigned to the different beach resorts and hotels in the city.

Lawas cited the big role of security guards assigned to the different beach resorts and hotels in monitoring the peace and order of the areas, as well as the security of visitors.

City officials of Lapu-Lapu assured their support to the police initiative in tapping the services of security guards.

They also lauded the police in maintaining peace and order in Lapu-Lapu City.

Radoc assured city officials that he will work hard to support the program of the city officials to make Lapu-Lapu a good place for everybody especially the tourists.

Lapu-Lapu City still stands as a good place for tourists  to visit, especially Koreans. — Jose P. Sollano

Council wants budget exec to explain

The Talisay City Council yesterday wanted City Budget Officer Edgar Mabunay to appear before the members of the Council and shed light on the status of  the P300,000 worth of Sinulog prize he borrowed from the Talisay City Elementary School contingent.

"It is vital to have a liquidation report so that the City of Talisay will have knowledge on where and how the money was used," said City Councilor Aldin Diaz, chairman of  Tourism Council, in his privilege speech during yesterday's council session.

The Talisay City Elementary School contingent won P400,000 in cash rewards after topping the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan and landing fourth place during the Sinulog ritual showdown.

It was earlier known that the city government appropriated P2 million to finance the contingent's participation.

Diaz also sought that Mabunay be sanctioned administratively if he fails to comply and submit the request liquidation. 

Diaz, one of  the neophyte city councilors, decided to take the floor as he felt that Mabunay has not been transparent to the Tourism Development Council on the expenses incurred during the Sinulog Festival and even during the fiesta celebration of the city, which is dubbed as "Kasadya sa Talisay."

"His appearance before the council will avoid conflicts and give clarifications on this matter," he added.

Diaz also wanted to know on the status of the release payment to the organizers of  the Kasadya sa Talisay in the amount of  P1.2 million.

It can be recalled that Diaz delivered a privilege speech accusing Mabunay of playing "double standard" at the budget office because the funding for Sinulog sa Kabataan was immediately released, while the payment for Kasadya organizers was not.

In a separate interview with reporters, Mabunay said he will appear before the Council on Tuesday next week to submit to them the full liquidation report on the expenses during the Sinulog.

Mabunay, however, denied that he had pocketed the P300,000 cash prize.

"I did not borrow the money for personal (use). Nasakitan lang gyud ko kay ako naman ang gibasol sa tanan nga ako ra man unta ang mi-facilitate sa ilang gihuwaman nga kwarta para gamiton sa Sinulog," Mabunay said. The cash prize was used to pay for the drum and bugle corps, food, transportation of props and others, he added.

The remaining P100,000 from the cash prize was spent in the victory party for the winning contingent.

Mabunay said the payment for the organizers of the Kasadya sa Talisay will have to be appropriated on Supplemental Budget No. 1 since it was not included in the annual budget.  (FREEMAN)