Inayawan police station Garma: Construction to proceed

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office has insisted to continue with the construction of a police station in Barangay Inayawan despite opposition from the barangay captain and a demolition order from the city government.

CCPO director Senior Supt. Royina Garma said it surprises her that Barangay Captain Kirk Bryan Repollo is opposing the construction of the satellite police station near the barangay hall.

Garma said Repollo allegedly questioned the legality of the donation of the lot where the station is being built. The barangay official reportedly claimed that the community itself is not in favor of having a police station in the area.

"It's my first time to see a barangay captain na ayaw magtayo ng police station sa harap niya, habang ang iba gustong-gusto...and you see Inayawan ang daming drugs and vices," she said.

The construction site is located few meters away from the barangay hall.

"(He) questioned ang donation, may sinasabi siya na issue. Okay if they challenge it's their right we will just answer it, kami itutuloy namin (construction) kasi may deed of donation," Garma said.

According to Garma, if there are legal questions on the validity of the donation, they will answer the issue in the proper forum. She said that as far as the CCPO is concerned, they have documents to prove that the lot was donated by the former barangay captain.

Garma’s decision is likely to worsen her already problematic relationship with Mayor Tomas Osmeña because aside from the question on the validity of the donation, the mayor also has a pending demolition order for lack of permits.

Osmeña ordered on June 5 to demolish the structure for being illegal. The Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (PROBE) team was directed to implement the order.

Meanwhile, Garma said she received information through the police hotline under the “Itug-an ni CD” program that illegal activities are happening near the barangay hall.

"Parang nakarating sa community na inaayawan ng barangay captain na magtayo ng police station doon. And there are reports coming in na favorable for us, telling us na may illegal malapit sa lugar. And mapuputol kapag merong police station," she said.

Garma said they have the names of the people involved but refused to reveal pending verification. — FPL (FREEMAN)