Nerez transfer dismays Gwen but plans vs crimes continue

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday expressed dismay over reports that Regional Police Director Lani-O Nerez will be removed from his post because of the spate of killings in Cebu.

“I think it’s unfair and unjust because we know how hard and how professionally the good general has worked. And as I’ve said, we now need to focus on the deterrent and pre-emptive aspect but please let us also remember nga paspas pud ang solusyon ani nga mga krimen and it is not as though nga nagyaya ang mga polis, naglihok pud intawon ni sila,” Garcia said.

The governor said Nerez’ transfer is part of the domino effect being experienced by the police force, after two generals at Camp Crame vacated their posts by choosing to retire early.

Nerez will assume as director for research and development in Camp Crame also in preparation for his promotion. 

Aside from Nerez, National Bureau of Investigation Regional Director Medardo De Lemos is also set to assume another post outside Cebu after two years here. Garcia described De Lemos as having served Cebu “with outmost professionalism and dedication.”

Garcia said during a courtesy call last Wednesday, Nerez had assured her that plans for a holistic and effective preemptive approach towards killings perpetrated by motorcycle-driving men will continue despite him out of the picture.

The regional police office will reportedly present the plan during a conference she has called Tuesday next week with the PNP, other law enforcement units and representatives of the judiciary.

Nerez also reportedly assured her that he will continue to help Cebu in whatever way he could even if he is already in Manila. Garcia said service to the people must not be compromised even if personalities in government change.

In an initial meeting last Monday, the PNP and other law enforcement units agreed that the spate of killings here has direct connection to the proliferation of loose firearms in the province. It was agreed that a task force will be created to focus on addressing the problem.

In the said conference, Nerez said he will request Camp Crame that PRO-7 will be given the authority to conduct an inventory of all gun manufacturers here in Cebu.

“We have to be stricter with these loose firearms and I also put across the willingness of the province to assist logistically and financially the operations of the PNP and other law enforcement agencies and plan on what system nga makatabang ta gikan sa mga informants ngadto na sa operations sa kapulisan ngato sab sa pag-protihir sa mga testigos ug sa pagtabang sad nila nga di ni sila mawad-an og panginabuhi,” Garcia said.

Garcia said has given the PNP the liberty to come up with the budget needed to sustain the operation and, if meritorious, the money will be taken from Capitol’s budget on peace and order or from its intelligence fund. (THE FREEMAN)