Labella wants Banzon as CCPO acting director

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has recommended Police Colonel Arnel Banzon to be the officer-in-charge of Cebu City Police Office pending the appointment of a permanent city director.

In a letter dated November 4, Labella asked Police Regional Office-7 director Brigadier General Valeriano De Leon to designate Banzon as CCPO’s caretaker.

Police Colonel Geovanie Maines was designated officer-in-charge of CCPO following the relief of city director Police Col. Gemma Vinluan, who was transferred to the regional headquarters in the wake of the killing of Clarin, Misamis Occidental Mayor David Navarro. 

Vinluan is subject of an ongoing investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation on the possible security lapses committed by the police considering that Navarro was under their custody when he was ambushed.

Maines said he welcomed Labella’s decision to recommend another officer in lieu of him. But he said there is a process that needs to be observed.

“Kung may papalit na or may in-endorse si Mayor Labella, well I’m good. Hopefully ma fast-track,” Maines told reporters.

De Leon in an earlier statement said that he cannot decide yet on the possible replacement of Vinluan considering that the investigation is still ongoing. He said there are several factors that need to be considered.

“I am looking in so many areas.. Her career growth, her possible replacement, possible comeback. Baka gusto na rin syang mag move on other areas, kaya marami akong kinu-consider,” De Leon said.

According to De Leon, until the NBI shall have completed its investigation, Vinluan’s status will remain.

 “I cannot still make any assessment whether she has to come back or not,” De Leon said.

As to the recommendation of Labella, De Leon said there is process to be observed in appointing police officials.

 “Ang kanila naman ay mamimili sila from the recommendees na ibibigay naming,” De Leon said.

Under the law, the regional director will submit three names of qualified officials for the mayor to choose from.

 As soon as the mayor has chosen a candidate for the position, it will be submitted for evaluation by the members of the Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board in Camp Crame.  FPL (FREEMAN)