New Mandaue police chief outlines priorities

More policemen, increased police visibility and a homicide and theft and robbery section of its own are among the top priorities of newly installed Mandaue City Police Office director Eduardo Catabas Jr.

Catabas replaced S/Supt. Pablo Florante Lamosao Jr. who has retired after more than 30 years in police service. Lamosao served as city police director since March.

Catabas said that there is a need to create the two police sections for immediate action and investigation.

He said he will not initiate a revamp of personnel as for the moment but if there is any, this will be done in coordination with Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano.

Catabas added that he would organize an intelligence network and create the Police Auxiliary Group composed of barangay tanods and civilian groups.

The group, Catabas said, would be of great help to the police force in fighting criminality. "With this, more policemen will be doing beat patrols, which is a deterrent to crimes. I want more police visibility because Mandaue is such a big area."

Lamosao, on the other hand, received the Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod during yesterday's turnover ceremony of command responsibility at the MCPO.

The award was given for his "meritorious and invaluable" service as city police director, and to recognize his vital role in preserving the peace and order in the city. - Mitchelle P. Calipayan