For Chief of Police Position: Paz rejects list of aspirants

CEBU, Philippines – Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza has rejected the names of candidates for the next city police director and is asking for another five names from the Regional Police Headquarters.

Last July 28, Police Regional Office (PRO)7 Director Lani-O Nerez submitted five names to Radaza from which the mayor can pick one as replacement to city police director Mariano Natu-el Jr., who has been at the post for more than two years.

City and provincial police directors hold a tenure of only two years but it is up to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Local Government Unit (LGU) whether to extend the director's tenure.

Under Republic Act No. 6975, or the PNP law, provides that city and municipal mayors shall have the authority to choose the chief of police from a list of five eligible officials recommended by the provincial police director, preferably from the same province, city, or municipality.

But Radaza said she will no longer hold Natuel long saying that "the new administration ought to be granted new leadership in the Lapu-Lapu PNP who shares the city's aspirations for a progressive, prosperous, and a peaceful Lapu-Lapu City."

The nominees rejected by the mayor include former Lapu-Lapu police chief Paquito Belandres, who served the city during the time of the late Mayor Ernest Weigel Jr., Senior Supt. Fortunato Guerrero, who is with the Maritime police, Senior Supt. Jene Bracamonte, Senior Supt. Joselito Salido of the Mactan International Airport police, and Senior Supt. Ernesto Agas.

But Radaza said she wants more names.

"It is not that I don't have confidence in their capability... gusto lang ko dunay choices labi na karon nga dako na ang Lapu-Lapu," Radaza said, adding that Lapu-Lapu is an industrialized city.

The candidates for city director were nominated based on performance and rank and the PNP's Senior Officer Placement Promotion Board which vouch for their qualification.

The call for Natuel replacement's was made during the time of former mayor now Congressman Arturo Radaza.

Members of the City Council and the Association of Barangay Council (ABC) adopted a separate resolution demanding his relief due to the rise of criminality in the city.

National Police Commission (Napolcom) Circular No. 98-07 provides that within ten days from the date the mayor receives a list of nominees she should signify in writing her choice. (THE FREEMAN)