New BFP-7 head assumes post

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama welcomes the appointment of a new regional director for the Bureau of Fire Protection in Central Visayas.

Senior Superintendent Esmael Codilla assumed the directorial post of BFP-7 yesterday morning.

Rama said he has not met Codilla yet, but hopes to speak with him and discuss matters especially concerning the building of BFP-7, which has been temporarily used as a hospital while the new Cebu City Medical Center is being constructed.

 “It would be better if we can talk with Esmael (Codilla) so that he will know [what direction] we are going,” Rama said.

“I will not give any message unless he sees me (personally.) I don’t demand also (a courtesy call) but it dictates already,” Rama added.

The city mayor has been planning to turn into a wellness complex the area near the CCMC that rests on the city government-owned lot. The structures that will be affected in the plan include the BFP-7 structure.

“(My plan will stay) the same. It will not change,” Rama told reporters.

Meanwhile, Rama acknowledged the newly-appointed BFP-7 official.

“He (Codilla) knows me and at the same time I have known him… It’s good because he is a Cebuano. What is good about a Cebuano is that you demonstrate your [character] as a Cebuano. A Cebuano smiles, listens, interacts and compliments,” he said.

Codilla took the place of outgoing BFP-7 director Senior Superintendent Erlinda Tobias, who is now the director of the CARAGA Region.

Prior to Tobias, Senior Superintendent Maria Luisa Hadjula was the officer-in-charge of BFP-7.

To recall, a standoff erupted on November 8, 2013 between Hadjula and a demolition team sent by Rama to the BFP-7 building. The team was sent so that the fire personnel will vacate the building to give way to CCMC personnel.

Just last month, tension brewed again between CCMC management and BFP-7 at the time of Tobias’ appointment.

The BFP-7 official requested to take back and utilize the rooms on its building’s second floor. However, CCMC management insisted that the hospital will not pull out until the matter can be discussed with BFP-7.  (FREEMAN)