Garma to serve as PCSO head

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Police Office Director Royina Garma has been appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas, director of Police Regional Office in Central Visayas, told reporters in a press briefing yesterday that Duterte made the announcement during a joint PNP-AFP command conference last June.

Garma, who accepted the appointment, will resign as a policewoman to take over the position at the end of the election ban.

In a separate interview she said that it was a hard decision to make, because she has been a policewoman for most of her life. Garma, who is part of PNP Academy Class 1997, has been in the police service for 24 years.

However, she said that she does not regret the decision.

Garma said her stint as director of Cebu City Police Office was her unforgettable and most challenging position. She attributed this to the tumultuous relationship she had with the outgoing Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

“Ang unforgettable is my assignment here sa Cebu City, it was the first time for me na may discord with the local chief executive. Ang dami sana projects and police offices na nasuportahan if kumpleto ang support. May funds for the PNP but wala kami natanggap. Ang funding naming lahat galing sa PNP,” she said.

Garma assumed as city director July last year, replacing former city director Police Colonel Joel Doria.

Sinas echoed her sentiments and said that mayor-elect Edgardo Labella has committed to give support to the PNP, without any conditions in return.

“Dili kanang mura og bata, nag agawan ng candy, o tagaan tika ani kay amiga ta, ako na kuhaon ang candy kay away ta. Dili na. The mayor-elect, already said he will support the PNP without any condition,” Sinas said.

Sinas said they have submitted a list of names of Garma’s possible replacement as CCPO director. He added that if it was up to him he will choose another policewoman to lead CCPO.

“I would like it to be another woman, kay mas keen sila on management, cleanliness and lahi ang ila feminine touch on things,” he said.

He said that the mayor-elect will also have a say, and can recommend his choice for city director. (FREEMAN)