Labella’s pick “floating”

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella’s recommendation for officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Police Colonel Arnel Banzon, has been relieved from his post as Regional Operations and Management Division chief due to an illness.

Now Banzon is on “floating” status, according to Police Colonel Geovanie Maines, who is currently acting as CCPO head.

Two days after the mayor made his recommendation for an OIC, Maines told reporters yesterday morning that Police Regional Office-7 director, Police Brigadier General Valeriano de Leon, has relieved Banzon due to an illness.

“Last week lang, he (Banzon) was relieved by the regional director because accordingly na-hospital, nagkasakit si Colonel Banzon,” Maines said.

“Now with regards to the choice, of course that is the choice of the mayor but how can our regional director appoint him if may sakit naman?” Maines added.

Maines further explained that aside from the mayor’s endorsement of Banzon, the authorities are still waiting for the conclusion of the investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation on former CCPO director, Police Colonel Gemma Vinluan, before the PNP can decide on her status.

Vinluan was relieved from her post to pave way for an impartial investigation into alleged security lapses that led to the murder of Clarin Mayor David Navarro who was killed under the custody policemen under the leadership of Vinluan.

“If it will be found out on their investigation na wala silang lapses, Gemma Vinluan will be coming back definitely. However, otherwise iba yung magiging result…that’s the time na siguro na ico-consider ni RD (De Leon) yung choice ni mayor,” Maines narrated.

Maines clarified that the relief of Banzon has nothing to do with the mayor’s recommendation, but rather a consideration of his condition.

“Kung hindi naman na makapag trabaho yung tao, bakit pagtatrabahuin mo pa?” Maines emphasized.

However, Maines said all the decisions will be up to the regional director to decide.

Maines also said that he is ready to be replaced anytime since he is currently juggling two assignments; as OIC of CCPO and at the same time Deputy regional Director for Operations in PRO-7. /BRP (FREEMAN)