Garma assures CCPO remain neutral

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Police Office director Royima Garma insisted that the whole police force remains neutral and is not campaigning for any political party.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña earlier posted on his social media account a video of Garma speaking before a group of motorcycle drivers.

After her speech, a police officer identified as Police Major Chuck Barandog asked the drivers to stay and listen to the speech of another speaker.

Then, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, who is running for mayor, went up the stage and delivered his speech.

The voice of former mayor Michael Rama, who is running for vice mayor, can also be heard although he was not seen in the video.

Erik Espina, who is running for councilor, also spoke before the drivers.

In a telephone interview, Garma explained that the video was taken on August 1 last year when they had the nationwide launching of the Philippine National Police program ‘Clean Rider.’

She explained that the event has nothing to do with the elections as it was not yet campaign period when they held the launching.

“Siya (Labella) kinuha naming guest speaker masama ba yun?” Garma said. (We had him as our guest speaker. Is there something wrong with that?)

Garma said CCPO heeded the order of PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde to stay neutral during the elections. — MBG (FREEMAN)