Mayor Osmeña Stands Pat on Cutting Support to Cebu City Police

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena has stood pat on his decision to stop supporting police operations against illegal drugs and crimes even after an apology from the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.

Osmeña also wouldn’t say whether he accepted the PNP chief’s apology or not.

“Who cares? They want to call the shots. Just don’t ask me anything about the police. Like what I’ve said, the police is not a priority,” he said.

PNP Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, who was on his first official visit to Cebu on Monday since he assumed office, apologized to Osmeña for the relief of the former Cebu City Police Office director, Senior Supt. Benjamin Santos, and other police officials, saying it was necessary.

“I’m sorry, Sir, if you felt slighted that we removed your city director and some of your police officers who were identified with the illegal drug trade,” dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa also appealed to the mayor to reconsider his decision to stop giving support to the police officers newly assigned to the city.

“As much as I want to please you, we have a job to do. We badly need you. Please don’t abandon us in this fight. Have pity on your police force,” he said.

Osmeña said he had personally asked Dela Rosa to retain the former Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director, Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador.

He said the PNP chief told him he would give Comendador three months, but after only a month, the officer was replaced.

“I just want the people to know that,” Osmeña said.

Even before he assumed office on June 30, Osmeña gave the police PHP50,000 for every suspected drug pusher who got killed in a shootout.

Osmena stopped giving the reward after the relief of Comendador and Santos without consulting him.

Dela Rosa has encouraged Cebu City’s police force to continue doing their duty with or without support from the local government. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS