Plans to transfer two police stations mulled in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines -  Mandaue City Police Office director (MCPO) P Sr./Supt. Noel Gillamac said there are already plans to transfer two police stations to new strategic locations.

Gillamac said the possible transfer of the Centro police station to another venue was discussed during the Peace and Order Council meeting and Mayor Jonas Cortes assured these concerns will be resolved.

Earlier, Centro police station chief P C/Insp. Elmer Fernandez said his station is no longer safe for his men as well as the detainees.

The police continue to hold office at the old public market which is already dilapidated and lacks comfort rooms.

Gillamac said the transfer is the main concern but would take time to be realized since a place has to be found first.

He said the Centro station was offered a place at the new public market but the proposal was shrugged off because the place isn’t perfect for a police station.

He said a police station must be as close as possible to people who need its services.

He said he has already told the police station chief to transfer the detainees to the temporary detention cells of police station 2 in barangay Subangdaku and police station 3 in barangay Basak.

The Opao police station sits on top of a creek in barangay Opao and water rises during a heavy downpour.

Gillamac said MCPO is also looking for a lot where they could transfer it.

He said a vacant lot near the DPWH building was suggested but this came to naught because the agency has other plans for it.

He said money is not a problem the fact that the PNP has a standby fund for the construction of a building.

What is difficult is acquiring a lot where a building will rise.

Gillamac said the Mandaue Chamber Commerce and Industry has also assured of financial help.

Gillamac said there are plans to put up police substations in malls. Right now, the J Center mall is being considered. – (FREEMAN)