Budget for new cop station lots sought

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Peace and Order Council recommended including in the 2016 annual budget a P5 million allocation to acquire lots in which to build more police stations.

City information officer Roger Paller said the recommendation was arrived at during the POC meeting on Wednesday presided by Association of Barangay Captains president Ernie Manatad.

According to Paller, most police stations in the city are occupying merely a portion of the barangay hall while some are due for demolition.

Paller cited Opao Police Station which lies on top of a creek.

When water level rises, the station is becomes flooded, said Paller.

Another case is Canduman Police Station which is subject for demolition after the owner of the lot where the building stands now intends to use the same.

New police stations in Barangays Subangdaku, Basak and Casuntingan also need to be erected as the current stations in these barangays are situated only in a small space within or near the barangay halls.

Once the city is able to purchase the lots, the Mandaue City Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it is willing to help look for sponsors who are willing to help finance construction.

Paller said the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police earlier pronounced it is willing to construct police stations as long as there are lots available.

During that meeting, Manatad said Mayor Jonas Cortes also wanted to build additional police stations in the city with its fast-growing population.

Cortes, according to Manatad, also clarified that the new police station that will be constructed in the vicinity of the J Center Mall will be considered as an additional police station and not the new home of Police Station 2 in Subangdaku. — Flor Z. Perolina (FREEMAN)