Labella says city safe; Rama says otherwise

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella and Vice Mayor Michael Rama could not seem to agree on whether the city remains safe following the daring killing of Clarin, Misamis Occidental Mayor David Navarro here on Friday.

While the mayor believes the city continues to enjoy its peace, the vice mayor thinks otherwise.

Labella, however, warned those people who are involved in illegal drug trade in the city.

“I can categorically say that Cebu City is very safe, especially to the law-abiding citizens. But if you are a drug protector and if you are involved in drugs, better get out of Cebu City,” said Labella.

Labella, who attended an event at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, said that President Rodrigo Duterte was also interviewed about the Navarro case and said that there must be a thorough investigation about it.

“I share with the thoughts of the president,” he said.

Labella said that Navarro’s death should be thoroughly looked into since he was killed in cold blood while in police custody.

“You cannot just take a person's life. We have laws, rules follow,” he said.

He added that regardless of the victim, whether he be perceived to be involved in any illegal activities, an investigation is very important.

Labella said that he already called Cebu City Police Office Director Gemma Vinluan to conduct a “no-nonsense” investigation into the incident.

When asked if he agrees with Duterte’s assumption that the police have something to do with Navarro’s death, Labella said that he does not want to speculate anything.

“The fact that, he was killed in police custody, that is a matter that should really be looked into. We can never conclude. Let's let the investigation continue and wait for the result of the investigation,” said Labella.

Labella also assured that he already directed the police to “do what is supposed to be done when it comes to criminal elements, especially the illegal drug traders.”

Rama, for his part, said that the city is not safe anymore.

Rama, who held a special session with the CCPO officials Friday, said that hours after CCPO's assurance that the city was still peaceful and orderly, Navarro was shot dead.

Rama said that Navarro's case is “a mayor's concern and a police matter.”

“They have to be focusing about it because the Cebuanos deserve a peaceful Cebu City,” said Rama.

He urged the police to do their jobs well.

“We just had our special session and, sad to say, what was being presented in our special session is that Cebu City is secured and safe but then in less than 24 hours that condemnable act occurred,” said Rama.

“They really have to do something about it,” he added.

Last Friday, Mayor Navarro was en route to Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office onboard a van accompanied by some policeman when he was shot at close range by a group of at least 10 unidentified men. JMD (FREEMAN)