Cebu City Council Passes Resolution to Include AFP Reservists in PHP4,000 Aid

The Cebu City Council has passed a resolution asking Mayor Tomas Osmeña to include the 500 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reservists deployed in the city in the PHP4,000 financial assistance the city gives to police personnel.

Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak, author of the resolution, said the honorarium would support the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the AFP in maintaining peace and order and visibility to boost security.

Tumulak, who heads the committee on public order and safety, was also designated as deputy mayor for police matters by Osmeña, who is also a reservist.

Osmeña was commissioned as batallion commander of the 51st Marine Batallion Reserve in June 2008.

In December of the same year, the Philippine Navy national headquarters in Manila named Lt. Col. Osmeña as the Naval Reserve Officer of the Year.

AFP reservists have been deployed in the city following the Davao City bombing incident last month.

They have been coordinating with the PNP in conducting visibility and patrol checkpoints, especially in crowded areas, to ensure public safety.

But the military will have authority to arrest in the event of grave unrest.

Reservists have been seen manning posts during late nights and doing regular checkpoints around the city after the Davao bombing. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS