CCPO gets new chief, mayor surprised

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival admitted he was caught by surprise when Police Colonel Ricky Sumalde was introduced to him yesterday as the new acting city director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), barely a week after he had met with another caretaker following the reassignment of Police Colonel George Ylanan to the Police Regional Office (PRO-7).

Just last week, Archival conferred with Police Colonel Arnel Apud to ensure continuity of peace and order programs after Ylanan’s transfer to PRO-7 as Comptrollership Division chief.

City Councilor Pablo Labra II, chairman of the Peace and Order Committee, clarified that Apud was only serving as caretaker while remaining deputy regional director for Operations.

Ylanan personally accompanied Sumalde to the mayor’s office for the formal introduction.

Archival requested the documents for Sumalde’s assignment, which the latter readily provided.

A special order from PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil through Police Lieutenant General Neri Vincent Ignacio confirmed that Sumalde had been relieved from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and reassigned to PRO-7 last June 25, with a subsequent directive designating him as acting CCPO chief.

Sumalde, as per reports, is a graduate of PNPA “Sinag-Laya” Class of 2002 and was promoted to police colonel in March 2026 during NCRPO’s conferment rites at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.

Before his reassignment, he served as force commander of the District Mobile Force Battalion under the Southern Police District.

His promotion was cited for years of service and dedication, with NCRPO Regional Director Police Major General Anthony Aberin reminding him and his batchmates to lead with integrity and accountability.

During the courtesy call, Ylanan received a token of appreciation for his seven months of service, thanking the city government for its support and urging officials to extend the same to his successor.

“Nangayo sad kog suporta kang mayor nga kon unsa tong suporta nga iyang gihatag during my term, iya pung ihatag to the incoming OIC (Sumalde),” he said.

Archival, together with councilor Labra, expressed support for Sumalde and expects the latter to sustain the gains from Ylanan’s term, if not exceed it.

“I hope you will probably do what George did or probably improve it… Rest assured as mentioned by the mayor, we will continue to support the Cebu City Police Office,” Labra said during the courtesy call.

Sumalde, speaking in Tagalog, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and promised to learn the local language to better connect with Cebuanos.

“Gagawin ko po ang lahat ng aking makakaya… Kung hindi ko man malampasan ang mga accomplishment ng ating outgoing city director ay matatapatan ko po ang mga iyon,” he said, stressing that LGU and stakeholder support is vital to CCPO’s success.

Archival admitted he has yet to personally know Sumalde and requested a sit-down meeting with both Ylanan and Sumalde to ensure smooth transition and continuity of programs.

“Actually, wa g’yud ko kaila ani niya… Tagalog ni siya… I hope we could communicate with each other para mahimo nga ang atong mga programa ma-harmonize,” Archival said.

Labra has pledged full support for the new CCPO leadership. — (FREEMAN)