Tom donates lot to PNP for police action center

Mayor Tomas Osmeña is donating a 204-square-meter lot beside the Magellan's Cross to the Philippine National Police for the establishment of the Community Police Action Center (COMPACT) station, which is accessible to people.

Councilor Augustus "Jun" Pe, Jr. yesterday said the memorandum of agreement has been finalized for the construction of the COMPACT station, which will be built before the ASEAN Summit scheduled in December.

Under the two-page draft MOA, Pe said the PNP will be the one to finance the construction while the city is only providing the site with a lifetime agreement of 25 years.

The police will also be responsible for the maintenance and necessary repairs for ordinary "wear and tear" of the police station.

Pe said the COMPACT station will be located along Magallanes corner D. Jakosalem streets near the historic Magellan's Cross.

"This allows policemen to take post because the place is accessible to people and serve the public most hours of the day and night," he said.

Just recently, Osmeña turned down the request of the PNP-regional headquarters for the repair and construction of the dilapidated Cebu City Police Office citing that it is not his priority.

Camp Sotero Cabahug, where the CCPO headquarters stands, sits on a private lot in Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City. - Garry B. Lao