Lot for modern crime lab needed

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Crime Laboratory Office 7 is asking the Province of Cebu to donate 1,000 square meters of space in the province-owned lot in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City where the Cebu Provincial Police Office is located.

Crime Lab 7 chief, S/Supt. Nestor Sator and other officials met Governor Hilario Davide III yesterday to convey the request personally to the governor. Sator informed Davide that the regional office is fortunate enough to be among the recipients of financial support from Camp Crame for a modern crime laboratory in Cebu. Once established, the new facility will not only benefit Cebu but the entire Region 7.

However, Sator said certain requirements pertaining to space and ownership of the property need to be resolved in order for the support to push through.

The current office stands on a property that is owned by another unit of the Philippine National Police in Camp Sotero Cabahug, Cebu City.

The present location is reportedly not enough to meet the needs of a modern crime laboratory.

“We believe that this matter is of utmost significance in pushing the province of Cebu to the forefront of advancement in the forensic field,” Sator said.

Paul Entera, head of Capitol’s real estate section, told Davide that a space is available between the building of the CPPO and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Sudlon lot.

Davide said he would need to secure an authority from the Provincial Board for him to sign a deed of donation, which would be executed between the Province of Cebu and the Regional Crime Laboratory Office 7 to formalize a transfer.

“In this manner, we shall be able to meet the requirements necessary for the support to push through,” Sator said.

The crime laboratory is tasked to provide scientific investigation services and other technical support to the PNP offices and other agencies through fieldwork, scene of crime operations, forensic laboratory service, criminalistics training and research. — (FREEMAN)