Santa Cops here again

CEBU - Following the success of its Santa Cops project last year, 28 Santa Cops that will patrol the different business establishments in the city during the Christmas season were introduced to the public yesterday.

City police director Patrocinio Comendador Jr. said the Santa Cop project is for the public to know that the police will continue working to protect the community even as the rest of the public enjoys time from work during the holidays.

Likewise, the project also aims to bring the police closer to the people by symbolizing that cops, like Santa, can be very approachable.

Comendador said it is a big consolation for them if the people smile when they see Santa Cops around. The 28 ‘strong’ Santa Cops are being headed by Sr. Insp. Sarah Jane Recla of the Criminal Investigation Branch.

The police Santas even rendered a Christmas song during the launching of the project at the SM City mall yesterday.

The Santa Cops project is being implemented by the Police Regional Office-7 in coordination with the Cebu City Police Office.

Sr. Supt. Marcelo Garbo, deputy regional director for operations, said the Santa Cops are being deployed to maintain peace and order throughout the province during Christmas.

“Ang Santa cops ay simbolo na magpapatunay na ang pulis sa Cebu City ay nakiki-isa sa sambayanang Pilipino at sambayanang Cebuano para magkaroon ng maligayang Pasko at masaganang Bagong Taon,” Garbo said.

Then again, the police said they would still need the cooperation of the public to fully combat crimes.

SM City Manager Sheree Tubilla expressed her support for the said project, saying the public would really feel secure if they see the Santa Cops roving in the mall.

Felix Navarro, an avid shopper of SM City, said it is good to feel safe and secure when shopping, especially during the Christmas season when people buy more goods than the usual.

PO1 Jessel Fulmaran and PO1 Fiona Kibir said they are privileged to have been chosen among the 28 Santa Cops.

Aside from the 28 Santa Cops, regular cops have already been deployed in the different areas of the province. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)