City government donates mobility assets, equipment to cops

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government has formally turned over a wide array of mobility assets, firearms, and operational equipment to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), underscoring its commitment to strengthening law enforcement capabilities and ensuring public safety.

The turnover ceremony took place at the CCPO Parade Ground the other day, with Mayor Archival leading the event alongside former police officer and now City Councilor Pablo “Paul” G. Labra II, Police Regional Office 7 Acting Regional Director PBGen. Arnold Evangelista Abad, and CCPO City Director PCOL George Villarta Ylanan.

The event also recognized police personnel for their dedication and service, highlighting the administration’s support for both operational readiness and personnel welfare.

Among the assets turned over were a Mitsubishi Triton personnel carrier, a SWAT van, two patrol vehicles, multiple pickup units including three Toyota Hilux units out of 11, 19 motorcycles, and bicycle units to enhance police mobility and rapid response.

The firearms and ammunition support included caliber 5.56 and 7.62 weapons systems, a 40mm gas launcher, shotgun systems, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Tactical gear such as enhanced combat helmets, waistcoat vests, and nearly 500 handheld radios were also distributed.

Administrative and technical equipment, including printers, scanners, biometric devices, and night vision systems, were likewise handed over.

Archival, during the turnover ceremony, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the newly issued assets.

“Please take good care of this because this will go a long way. This will help make Cebu more harmonious, peaceful, and safe,” he said.

Abad, on the other hand, commended the city government’s strong support for law enforcement.

“Cebu City is a model of what strong local government support can do for policing and public safety. Your commitment greatly strengthens our capability to serve the people better,” Abad said.

The turnover forms part of the CCPO’s ongoing modernization program, which includes infrastructure development, equipment upgrades, and continuous support for operational readiness.

Archival reiterated that the city’s guiding principle of “Taking Care and Taking Action for Cebu City” is reflected in its investment in police capability, aimed at building safer communities and sustaining peace and order.

While boosting police resources, Archival also called for vigilance against the rent-tangay scam now affecting Cebu.

The scheme involves individuals renting vehicles without any intention of returning them, with some units later sold using falsified documents.

“Naa na sa Cebu ang gitawag og rent-tangay scam… daghang negosyo na ang naapektuhan,” Archival confirmed, noting coordination with the Highway Patrol Group Region 7 and CCPO to intensify monitoring and speed up the recovery of stolen vehicles.

He urged operators to verify renter identification, install GPS trackers, avoid releasing units with incomplete requirements, and report suspicious transactions immediately.

“Ang inyong negosyo mao’y panginabuhi sa inyong pamilya, ug importante na sa atoang syudad. Dili mo nag inusara ani. Magtinabangay ta aron maprotektahan ang atong mga Cebuano entrepreneurs,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Archival met with CIDG Regional Chief PCOL Arbel C. Mercullo and CCPO Director PCOL George V. Ylanan to discuss peace and order initiatives, stressing the importance of coordination among the government, police, and private sector.

The latest reported incident was the May 11 abduction of a car dealer in Banilad tied to a P1.8-million vehicle transaction. The victim was later found alive in Naga City.

Police are investigating possible links to rent-tangay or rent-sangla operations, though initial findings suggest the incident may be isolated.

National police officials have also reported similar scams elsewhere in the Philippines.

Earlier this month, the PNP Highway Patrol Group recovered 10 vehicles in Laguna and Batangas believed to have been stolen through rent-tangay operations.

Victims reported losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of pesos per unit, underscoring how fraudulent rental schemes have evolved into organized criminal activity. — /IHM (FREEMAN)