Eddiegul still trusts Talisay’s police chief

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City, Cebu Mayor Eduardo Gullas wants City Police Chief Emerson Dante to remain and continue serving the city despite the clamore of a few politicians for his removal.

Dante earlier said he was willing to leave his post after learning that there are local officials want him out of the city after the arrest of Lagtang Baranagy Captain Ferdinand Bas for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Bas, who was tagged as in the list of drug personalities in Talisay, is the son of incumbent City Council Arturo Bas, who heads the City Council's committee on peace and order.

In a press conference, Gullas said that he will not allow Dante to leave the city, saying that the police colonel still has his trust and confidence.

He also denied rumors that he scolded Dante regarding Ferdinand's arrest.

“I have not met Dante after the operation (arrest of Ferdinand).  And why should I scold him? I congratulated him for the successful operation despite that I was aware it was led by the PIB (Cebu Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Bureau) because dili man gud mahimo ang operation og dili mo-kooperar ang local (police),” he said.

Told of the mayor's statement, Dante thanked Gullas for still having trust and confidence on him.

“Ma-negative o positive okay lang sa akin.  Nandito tayo para magtrabaho.  Hindi ako nag-aspire ng papuri, basta trabaho natin 'to,” Dante said.

He added that the mayor congratulating him and his men boosts their morale for them to continue serving the people.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa local chief executive na may tiwala siya sa atin,” Dante said. —/RHM (FREEMAN)