CH beefs up hiring process after 2 JOs linked to murder

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has ordered a stricter background investigation in the hiring of City Hall personnel after two job order workers were linked as principal suspects in the recent killing, where the victim was buried at the abandoned One Citilink Terminal.

Archival admitted that the murder of Isaac Vergel Viernes exposed the weaknesses in the city government’s hiring process, particularly for JO personnel. The mayor said he wants to strengthen the screening procedures beyond the current drug testing requirement.

"Aside from the drug test, I think we need to do more than that," Archival said, explaining that discussions were already underway with city officials on tightening the vetting process for applicants.

The mayor acknowledged that City Hall's screening of job order worker applicants had been less stringent compared to regular appointments.

"Especially sa mga JO, dili gyud ta ana ka-strikto. So ang JO diretso-diretso na sila," Archival said, admitting that background verification for job order applicants is less stringent.

Archival said the city government would now place greater weight on the applicant's history before any appointment is issued.

"So that's why, whether casual imong kuhaon, JO imong kuhaon, BEO imong kuhaon, kinahanglan hatagan nato'g importansya ang mga background sa mga tawo," he said.

Among the measures the city government considered is stricter verification of police clearances and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearances for both prospective hires and existing personnel.

"What we will do is start also checking people, especially those who do not have police clearance and NBI clearance," the mayor said.

When asked whether the city would become more selective in hiring job order workers, Archival answered: "Yes, we should be very careful. Actually, naa diay duha ka buok suspect nga gikan sa City Hall."

The mayor said most current appointments remain effective until December, but stressed that the city would immediately begin reviewing personnel records while revisiting its hiring policies.

Archival also maintained that the criminal investigation should proceed without hesitation and said he had instructed police to pursue whatever legal action they deem necessary.

"If you think nga unsa gyud ang kinahanglan buhaton, then you proceed with it," he said of his directive to investigators.

The city’s hiring policy review came as the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) intensified its investigation into the killing of Viernes, who was first reported missing on Oct. 7. He was later found on October 19 buried at the abandoned One Citilink Terminal in Barangay Pahina Central.

Police have since taken into custody the principal suspects, while another suspect surrendered to authorities as murder charges are being prepared against those involved in the crime.

Amid the developments, members of the Viernes family visited Archival at City Hall last Thursday to personally thank the mayor for supporting the efforts to solve the case and identify those responsible in the killing.

Accompanied by Councilor Dave Tumulak, the family also conveyed its gratitude to the CCPO for the swift resolution of the case.

"Nalipay ko nga nasakpan na," Archival said, expressing relief over the arrest and surrender of the suspects.

For the mayor, the case has become not only a test of law enforcement but also a wake-up call for City Hall. With two suspects reportedly employed with the city government, Archival said Cebu City can no longer rely solely on drug testing and must ensure that every applicant undergoes a more rigorous review before being given a government post.

"The city needs to be very careful," he said. "We need to give importance to the background of the people we hire." — /FPL (FREEMAN)