New Cebu Police Chief Challenges Personnel to do More in Anti-Drug Drive

Newly installed Cebu Police director, Sr. Supt. Eric Noble, on Monday challenged his men to do more in the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Let’s revive the warrior spirit of Lapu-Lapu. Let’s improve our performance,” Noble said.

He also warned that he considers as his enemies police personnel who are involved in illegal drugs.

“To policemen who are into illegal drugs, I consider you an enemy. Just wait. Meron kayong paglalagyan (There’s a place for you),” he said.

Noble, a native of Pangasinan, assumed his new post in simple ceremonies at the Cebu Police headquarters in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City Monday afternoon.

Noble’s predecessor, Sr. Supt. Jose Macanas, was not present during the ceremony.

Director of the Central Visayas Police, Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, said Macanas, who served since mid-July, was relieved as Cebu Police director after he was implicated as one of the officers who allegedly accepted payola from suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

Taliño said Macanas, who headed the Ormoc City Police before he was assigned to Cebu, was implicated by Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Kerwin’s father.

Taliño said the Cebu Police, during Macanas’ watch, was one of the top-performing units in the anti-illegal drug drive, having visited 25,226 houses of suspected drug users and pushers from July 1 to September 30. (PNA) CVL/EB/SSC