Rama to check on policemen’s compliance to directive

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is meeting city police director Noli Romana soon to check on how the city police force is coping with the time frame he had given for them to “shape up.”

 “I will be checking where we are at the time frame, I will talk with my police chief,” Rama said.

Rama earlier told the police to “shape up or be shipped out” in three months time.

“Katong three months nako nga directive is more on the capacity to go after the peace and order sa syudad. I’m giving them six months man sa pagpagamay sa tiyan,” Rama added.

He clarified that he is not giving time extension to police officers to be “physically fit.” Rama said that the three-month ultimatum for the police to bring down the crime incidents and improve crime solution efficiency stands.

Rama gave the directive May after receiving reports about an increasing crime volume in the city.

“I have seen that all (police officers) are trying their best in pursuing police activities (in their recent operations),” he said.

He said that the city government needs the cooperation of all 11 police station chiefs. Rama commended the city police officials for the uninterrupted operations that led to the apprehension of several big time drug pushers.

“Of course, I’m happy with their (successful) operations. I want them to sustain or improve it,” he said.

The mayor also ordered the City Traffic Operations Management personnel, City Hall employees and barangay officials and employees to practice healthy lifestyle and be physically fit.

Rama said that the directive is in preparation for the upcoming international events that Cebu City is hosting starting next year.

Cebu City will play host to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 2015. It will also host the International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.

Rama said that he needs the cooperation of everyone in welcoming the delegates from the different places.  (FREEMAN)