CEBU, Philippines — Although changes in the leadership of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) are not unusual, City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia expressed surprise at the timing of the latest transition, which coincides with the Sinulog 2025 celebration.
City officials had previously emphasized that ensuring peace and order is a critical aspect of the Sinulog preparations, with the local police playing a key role. With the Sinulog Grand Celebration just days away and large crowds expected, Mayor Garcia noted that the timing of the leadership change was unexpected.
While the city’s security plans are already in place, Garcia admitted being “surprised” by the sudden relief of outgoing City Director Police Colonel Antonietto Cañete. He pointed out that the transition came at an inconvenient moment.
“Dili lang maayo gyud kaayo ang timing tungod lagi kay we are at the peak of our Sinulog festivities and among mga preparations, for the Sinulog activities especially peace and order and safety, si Colonel Cañete was on top of everything and he was doing a good job,” Garcia said.
“And now in the middle of everything, imong ilisan, murag dili gyud kaayo maayo ang timing,” he added.
Despite this, Garcia said he would still work with Cañete’s replacement, Police Colonel Enrico Figueroa, the new officer-in-charge, adding that he can work with anyone as long as “he is passionate, hardworking, focused, and has the love for Cebu City.”
According to Garcia, Cañete’s relief may have been due to the movement of the entire Police Regional Office (PRO)-7, where a new Regional Director has also been installed. He added that it is already expected that other areas will have new city directors, considering that the midterm election is coming, which constitutes a ban on personnel movement unless there is a certificate of exemption.
Garcia admitted that Cañete’s exit may affect some aspects of the Sinulog security preparations but added that he has confidence in the security cluster headed by Councilor Joel Garganera.
“Tinud-anay, I was surprised by this change. Well, kung kunsulta pa lang unta sila nako, I would have told them nga ayaw lang tawon in the middle sa Sinulog preparations,” said Garcia.
Further, Garcia commended Cañete’s stint in Cebu City, noting that he was the first city director when Garcia ascended to the position of City Mayor.
“Also observing from the past, I think Colonel Cañete is one of the best city directors that Cebu City has ever had,” said Garcia.
It was on September 23, 2024, that Garcia announced he had formally signed the recommendation for Cañete to be the CCPO’s city director on a permanent basis. Prior to this, it was widely reported that Garcia had placed Cañete’s recommendation in limbo, particularly during the height of the robbery incidents in the city, which pressured the investigation results in exchange for his permanency.
However, of the five names recommended for the city director position on a permanent basis, Garcia ultimately chose Cañete.
Cañete also made headlines when he personally handcuffed former Cebu City Administrator Collin Rosell inside Cebu City Hall when the latter attempted to return to the office despite having already been terminated.
Yesterday, Figueroa paid Garcia a visit, which is considered his first courtesy call as the new OIC for the CCPO. Garcia said that one of his first directives was to review what had been prepared by his predecessor. He added that he also directed Figueroa to study and enforce it accordingly to ensure that the Sinulog security is not compromised.
In an interview with reporters after meeting with the mayor, Figueroa assured that the peace and order situation in the city will be maintained under his watch despite the leadership changes at the CCPO.
He added that he assured the mayor he would be on top of his role during the Sinulog Festival, implementing the same measures he had used during festivals in the National Capital Region.
“Let us continue our campaign sa peace and order, (implement) ano ang best practice sa kapulisan sa Cebu City,” Figueroa told reporters. — (FREEMAN)