City to launch barangay level approach vs illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines - To widen and strengthen its campaign against criminalities, Cebu City will be launching “project barangay connectivity” on December 15, bringing all sectors down to the barangay level to help curb illegal drugs in the city.

Mayor Michael Rama said the campaign has to continue with the leadership of the new officer-in-charge of Cebu City Police Office, Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa.

“We have to continue what he started (Senior Supt. Noli Romana). But, we will support him on his plan of actions for the city,” said Rama, adding, “Let’s give him a chance to show what he can do best. Capa has the experiences and expertise to help further mold the police force.

Capa, former Deputy Regional Director for Operations of Police Regional Office-7, assumed the post of Romana on Saturday after the latter was reassigned to the Civil Security Group in Camp Crame.

With the interconnectivity of communications, Rama said the preparations for the holiday season, Sinulog and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation next year, should be “enhanced and upgraded.”

The mayor challenged the police force and the 80 barangays to work hand in hand in curbing crimes and in making the forthcoming preparations “hundred-percent well done.”

Capa, in an earlier interview, said he is aiming to intensify the city police’s anti-drug operations.

Also, Capa said he has zero tolerance for incompetent and corrupt police officers.

Vice mayor Edgardo Labella, chairman of the Police Coordinating Advisory Council, said they will no longer appeal to Camp Crame to retain Romana as CCPO director.

He said he is confident that the projects and programs started by Romana will be strengthened.

“We assure that whatever programs we started will be continued,” Labella said.  (FREEMAN)