Is Romana leaving Cebu City police?

CEBU, Philippines - Has Cebu City Police Office Director, Sr. Supt. Noli Romana, been relieved from his post?

According to a document obtained by The Freeman, Romana is among seven police officials affected by a reassignment effective December 4, 2014. The order is signed by Police Director Jaime Hermo Morente, Director for Personnel and Records Management.

The order says that Romana will be transferred to the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame.

The other affected by the order include Senior Supt. Sergio Amatriam Dimandal from PRO-12 to PRO-10; Senior Supt. Abad Hesido Osit from PRO-Mimaropa to Civil Security Group; Senior Supt. Jose Velasquez Carillo from Aviation Security Group  to PRO-6; Senior Supt. Heriberto Obias Olitoquit from PRO-5 to Highway Patrol Group; Senior Supt. Marcelo Casabuena Morales from NCRPO to PRO-Mimaropa; and Senior Supt. Edwin Sadama De Ocampo from Pro-9 to NCRPO.

Police Regional Office-7 Director, Supt. Prudencio Tom Bañas, declined to comment on the order, saying he has not received a copy just yet as of yesterday.

The chief of the Regional Personnel and Human Resources Development Division, Supt. Renato Dugan, also could not confirm the movement but said there are reports about Romana’s reassignment. Like Bañas, Dugan said he has not received a copy of the order.

Supt. Alit Virtucio, the current deputy administrator for operations, is reportedly the one designated to act as OIC city director, but he denied the same.

The order does not indicate the reason behind the reassignment but a source told The Freeman that it has something to do with Romana’s possible promotion. The source said it would be beneficial for Romana to be assigned in Camp Crame, which is mandatory for the movement, if he wants to replace one of several generals who will retire this year.

Romana has served as Cebu City Police Director for a year and four months.

Mayor Michael Rama, for his part, refused to comment on the report. It was the mayor who recommended strongly for Romana to head the city’s police force. Prior to his assignment here, Romana headed the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, chairman of the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council, said he is saddened by the report, saying he is satisfied with Romana’s performance especially his campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms and illegal gambling.

Labella said he will ask PCAC to come up with a resolution to ask Camp Crame to reconsider the decision.

The law allows mayors to choose their police chiefs, but the PNP law provides that they can only select from the list of at least five names submitted by police officials. – Rene U. Borromeo/JMO (FREEMAN)