Top cop grateful for city recognition

CEBU, Philippines - Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, chief of the Cebu City Police Office Intelligence Branch, is thankful that City Hall has acknowledged his achievement as Junior Police Commissioned Officer of the Year, but said the recognition he received from Malacañang is for the entire Cebu community.

“Pasalamat lang ko na na mention na ni mayor (cash award), but I’m not expecting something. Trabaho ning atong gi-buhat ug na acknowledge niya ang atong efforts,” Santander said.

Mayor Michael Rama wants to give him a cash incentive of P50,000 but City Hall’s Praise Committee has yet to approve the same.

Santander said the recognition he received is something to be proud of, but what is more important is that the quality of service he will give to the Cebuano community will remain the same.

“Mas satisfied ta nga naa tay na kuha nga pasigarbo sa Cebu,” he said, adding, “Walay angay nga ma-usab, padayon lang gihapon atong sirbisyo.”

Santander adviced new policemen to be true to their profession and serve to the utmost when duty calls.

“Trabaho lang gyud ka 24/7. Wala kay gi-pili na oras og adlaw basta if needed imong serbisyo naa gyud ka… Kun naay mga police nga mo aspire, diskarte na nila sa pagtrabaho og di pud kalimtan ang prayer,” he said. 

Santander received the recognition from no less than President Benigno Aquino III during 110th anniversary of the police service early this month.

Santander hails from a family of policemen. His father is a retired colonel and his brother used to be the chief of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) in Cebu City. – (FREEMAN)