Tomas won’t recall vehicles from cops

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has decided not to withdraw the city-owned vehicles assigned to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) despite his three police body guards recalled by Police Regional Director Noli Taliño.

"I'm not inclined to do it because I do not like to compromise the safety of the Cebuanos," Osmeña said.

The city is also providing 6,000 liters of fuel for the vehicles every month.

The mayor just arrived from the United States where he underwent an annual medical checkup.

Most of the vehicles being used by the Cebu City police are owned by the city.

Before he left for the US, Osmeña said he is giving the police a free hand in resolving the drugs problem in the city after Camp Crame relieved the police officials in the forefront of the campaign here.

Osmeña further said that he never stopped granting fuel supply to the police vehicles, although he ordered to hold in abeyance the assignment of additional 15 vehicles to the city police.

Osmeña has suggested that Camp Crame buy more vehicles for its policemen.

"Dili man na sila pobre ba," he said of the Philippine National Police.

Traffic

Meanwhile, Cebu City Traffic Office head Rafael Yap said yesterday the six Toyota HiLux vehicles turned over to the office will help its operations tremendously.

"For one, our response time should be greatly improved sa atong mga incidents or accidents that are happening on the streets. Second, visibility is also an issue kay the presence of traffic personnel in the areas nato should encourage atong motorist to display discipline and follow the traffic rules," Yap told reporters.

The city's Public Information Officer, Nagiel Banacia, turned the vehicles over to CCTO on behalf of the city.

Yap said at least three vehicles will be coming for the office.

"I think they are 3 or 4 more… amo pang gi-confirm sa City Hall, but we are told that Mayor Tom added attention to the traffic problem, I think more resources will be made available for our use," he said.

Records show that CCTO has five multicabs, three "mobile" vehicles, and 20 motorcycles.

On June 23, Yap requested vehicles from the city for operation purposes.

Last Friday, Yap said 32 new traffic enforcers graduated from training. (FREEMAN)