As CPPO Chief leaves office:‘Dirty cops my unfinished business’

CEBU, Philippines — As he prepares to leave the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) for his new assignment, CPPO director Police Colonel Manuel Abrugena said he would have wanted more time to intensify operations against scalawag policemen.

"Ang aking unfinished business ay ang squad system na para sana ay, mapaigting ang ating kampanya sa internal cleansing," said Abrugena, who is set to be replaced by Police Colonel Roderick Mariano, who will serve as operations-in-charge.

Mariano, who was previously assigned to the National Capital Region, will be swapped with Abrugena.

Police Regional Office in Central Visayas director, Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas, describe the year-long stint of Abrugena as “satisfying and effective.”

Sinas yesterday told reporters that Abrugena served as an effective director by staying attuned to the directives from higher headquarters on the war against illegal drugs, among others.

"We are satisfied and happy sa iyang performance diri sa Cebu, he will be taking on a new role and it is considered as a promotion, we are not surprised, normal lang ni siya for our career pud," he said.

Abrugena, who assumed as director of CPPO on May 2018 until June 18 this year, recovered around P288 million worth of suspected shabu, and seized 598 grams of marijuana leaves.

Under his watch a total of 5,198 cases were filed for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. A total of 1,310 firearms were recovered and 459 cases filed in court for possession of unlicensed firearms against 497 persons.

CPPO also seized P425,000 worth of cash from illegal gambling and filed 1,061 cases for violation of illegal gambling laws. Around 2,166 wanted persons were arrested, nine killed during operations, and 19 surrenders.

Meanwhile, to avoid “awkwardness,” Sinas reached out to both the outgoing and incoming governors for the formal installation of the new CPPO director next week.

Sinas dropped by Friday at the Capitol to visit the outgoing governor and vice governor-elect Hilario Davide III, informing him about the upcoming activity, which is tentatively set for June 25, Tuesday.

“If mo-adto siya, I will have to tell you para dili kaayo ta awkward,” said Sinas to Davide over a brief conversation at the governor’s office.

“She (Garcia) should be the one (to grace the event) because she’s the new governor now… I have no problem. I will be busy also because I’ll be fixing my new office. And I will also be meeting the new board members,” Davide responded.

On the sidelines following their meet-up, Sinas told reporters that police will be informing both camps about the activity, adding that their confirmation or feedback will also be needed for the organizers to know how to accommodate or address the situation.

“I have to inform him (Davide) if the governor-elect (Garcia) will join or not… Siyempre mo-adto didto then wala siya kabalo siyempre awkward ang situation. Ayaw namo nga maalanganin both sides… We will inform them to know who to call and who to speak,” he said.

“I will also visit governor-elect Gwen Garcia to inform her also with due respect para mahibaw-an pud niya if naay changes. So we will be inviting all of them sa turnover and they are most welcome on the turnover and we will be happy if they will be there both the vice governor-elect and the governor-elect,” Sinas said.

Sinas said the organizers already sent a communication to Garcia and have set a meeting with her.

“We are hoping to talk sa iyaha on Monday. Dili idayon ang turnover until I talk to her,” Sinas said.

As the Capitol maintained a good working relationship with the outgoing administration, Sinas is also hoping that it will be the same with the incoming administration under the leadership of Garcia.

He said the police in the province is pushing for the putting up of more police stations, and with the help of the different local government units this can be made possible.

He added that there are only 26 standard police stations in Cebu Province for each of the 51 cities and municipalities.

Sinas said having enough police stations will surely boost the morale of the police force and it will also help the booming tourism industry in Cebu by making visitors and guests feel safe and secure here.

He said other programs like the anti-drug campaign, the internal cleansing within the police, and the reduction of crimes remains to be their top concern.

To note, the governor’s position is vital in the composition of the regional and provincial level peace and order council in Cebu province and in Central Visayas. — BRP (FREEMAN)