No politics in transfer of station chiefs - Buenafe

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Police Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe denied rumors that Mayor Michael Rama’s directive to reshuffle police station chiefs in Cebu City is politically motivated.

Bueanafe said politics has nothing to do with Rama’s decision to reshuffle his men.

“The familiarity of some would influence the decision of the station commanders. The advantage to replace the station commander is that may bagong enthusiasm to serve,” Buenafe said.

He explained that the reshuffling is an opportunity for his men to develop their skills and enhance their individual careers as law enforcers.        

Buenafe said he will finalize the reshuffling plans next week, saying that a thorough study will conducted on the move. Likewise, CCPO would also need to coordinate with the National Police Commission and Police Regional Office- 7 before the reshuffling will be implemented.

Special units such as the Homicide, Investigation, Intelligence and the Theft and Robbery sections might also be affected by the reshuffling.

In fact, Buenafe said, he has already ordered the formal relief of around 25 policemen assigned at Carbon Police Station. Rama directed the relief of the policemen last month after the shooting incident right at the back of the police station. Several shooting incidents also transpired near the police station before last month’s incident, prompting Rama to question why the cops there cannot protect their own backyard.

The relief order was released only last April 4, but took effect retroactively last April 2. The replacement personnel come from other police station and special units. 

In just a span of one month, Rama ordered the relief of two chiefs assigned at the Carbon Police Stations.  

Sr. Insp. Eunil Avergonzado is the current chief of the Carbon Police Station after replacing Chief Insp. Pablo Cabildo who only served for two weeks.

Cabildo replaced Chief Insp. Renero Agustin who was also relieved after a Barangay Intelligence Network member was shot dead in broad daylight near the Carbon Police Station. –(FREEMAN)