Romana: Rama secure enough

CEBU, Philippines - With Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama earlier saying he has also received threats in relation to his job, Cebu City Police Office Director Noli Romana assured that the mayor's security personnel is adequate to keep him safe.

While Romana agreed on politicians receiving threats, he said he did not know that the mayor has received any threats recently.

Romana, however, assured Rama that as his chief security officer, he is making sure the mayor and his staff members have adequate security.

During a news conference last Monday, Rama said he knew he is a target of security threats and said that it is part of his job as mayor.

Rama had said additional security personnel were given to him following the threats he received. He, however, declined to elaborate further on how many and from where the added security detail came.

"I am being watched by the police because I am the target. Part na sa akong trabaho gyud," he said.

Romana said security alertness of the police force is expected to be heightened especially now that the election season is at its offing.

"Basta ako, with or without threats, yun talaga ang planning ko para sa kanya. Everywhere he goes, ganun ang security coverage ko sa kanya. Anything that would hamper his work and would affect the city is my concern," the city police chief said.

Romana said he regularly meets with Rama's security detail to avoid them getting complacent.

Romana, though, said there is no need to add more personnel in Rama's security force even after the mayor mentioned receiving threats.

"Hindi na kailangan. Nakalatag na ang lahat. I think the security provided for him at the moment is adequate," he said.

Rama earlier said the number of policemen in the city is not enough to protect all Cebuanos.

He said Cebu City only has less than 1,500 policemen instead of the 2,000 the city needs. — (FREEMAN)