Talisay police chief's appointment of new traffic head bothers Bucao

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, chairman of the council committee on traffic management, is disappointed with the city’s police chief for appointing a new traffic division head without informing the Office of the Vice Mayor. 

Bucao, who is also the chairman of the City of Talisay Traffic Operation and Development Authority (CT-TODA), said Supt. Eddie Recamara, police chief of Talisay City, bypassed him when he appointed a new traffic division head. 

SPO4 Cleopas Bonjoc is the new traffic head, replacing former Talisay Traffic Division chief Insp. Ricardo Echavez, who was reportedly transferred to Minglanilla town.

Bucao said he only learned about the relief of Echavez after personnel of the City of Talisay Traffic Operation and Development Authority (CT-TODA) informed him about the replacement.

“Basin tungod lang siguro sa ka busy or nakalimtan lang, but I hope that they would coordinate with me first, ”Bucao said.

Bucao said the cooperation between the police traffic division and the CT-TODA is crucial as both groups enforce the rules of the road.

Separately, Recamara denied the allegation saying the immediate appointment was done to prevent a vacuum in the office.

“It was never my intention to bypass Vice Mayor Bucao,” Recamara said, adding that Bonjoc’s appointment is merely temporary.

He also said he wouldn’t mind if Bucao recommends someone to the post, but he suggests that the vice mayor choose his candidate quickly since there are many problems that need to be resolved.  – THE FREEMAN