New chief’s first order to men: Trim waistline

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine National Police wants its personnel fit and the first marching order for the new Cebu Provincial Police chief is to ensure that this is followed.

Senior Supt. Clifford Gairanod said the Regional Police Office has instructed him to direct his “oversized” officers to trim their waistline.

Gairanod said there is no specific measurement required, as long as “the chest must be bigger than the stomach.”

He said he will coordinate with the PNP medical staff in coming up with a proper physical fitness program for his men. He said policemen who will not comply with the fitness instruction may face administrative sanctions.

Gairanod, Senior Supt. Benjamin Santos and Senior Supt. Jonathan Cabal have assumed their new post yesterday, four days after their appointment.

Santos is the new chief of the Cebu City Police Office while Cabal is the new chief of the Mandaue City Police Office.

The order for them to assume office came from Camp Crame. 

Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, deputy regional director for operations, said only the leadership of these three police offices has changed.

He said the regional director has directed the three appointees to study the security plan of their new areas of jurisdiction. He stressed that the security plans are a product of collaboration and efforts of certain police offices.

Lawas assured the security preparations for the Sinulog festivities, as well as for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress will not be derailed by the change in leadership in the three police offices.

“There has to be continuity of work… it’s just a change of leadership. There will be no derail sa activities sa police,” Lawas said.

Gairanod said he will continue to implement the anti-criminality program of his predecessor, Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac, through the “Limpyo Probinsya Program.”

Among his priorities will be the PNP’s anti-illegal drugs program and ongoing efforts to clean its ranks to get the trust of the public.

“I plan to cleanse my unit also… ato nga limpyohan ang atong bakuran sa mga police protector sa drugs ug sa gambling, ug sa mga tiggamitay og mga droga,” Gairanod said.

Police officers in the province will also be subjected to random drug tests.

With the start of the election season, he directed his men “to remain neutral and apolitical.”

Despite the seemingly curious timing of the revamp in the PNP, Gairanod dismissed speculations the move is politically motivated.

“Siguro di nato malikayan magduda sila pero kana tanan pagboot na sa taas, makita man nila kung neutral ka o dili,” he said.

Gairanod is among 740 unit commanders reassigned by the PNP in preparations for the May 2016 elections.  — (FREEMAN)