Compostela gets new police chief

CEBU, Philippines - The new police chief of Compostela town vowed to be more effective to redeem the credibility of the police following a controversy involving his predecessor.

Chief Inspector Fructoso Lim will officially assume today after receiving the memorandum yesterday from Cebu Provincial Police Office director Noel Gillamac.

“I will perform the basic police functions more effective and credible in the eyes of the public and impose the law ilabi na ang RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 ug RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act),” Lim told The FREEMAN.

Lim succeeded Sr. Insp. Samuel Romanillos who was relieved and subjected to a pre-charge evaluation because of the allegation that he released a foreigner caught for drug possession in exchange for P50,000 cash.

Lim vowed that illegal drugs would be his priority. “Usa na ang drugs…dili man gyud na mawala pero ma-minimize pwede,” he said.

 He welcomed his new assignment because he would be closer to his family since he lives in Liloan. Lim is the former chief of police in Medellin.

 “Mas maayo nga focus not only sa supply reduction but also sa demand reduction,” Gillamac ordered Lim.

 Gillamac said he is still waiting for the response of Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez for the replacement of Lim. According to Gillamac, he already sent five names to Ramirez for him to choose from.

Meanwhile, Romanillos was reassigned to the provincial headquarters pending investigation against him.

He was accused of releasing Ghanaian national Alexander Painstil after paying P50,000. Painstil was caught smoking marijuana last month.

Romanillos admitted that Painstil was arrested but denied he was charged with any illegal drugs violation. He said the foreigner was only arrested for traffic violation and was released after paying his fine. (FREEMAN)