CPPO unveils Gen. Arcadio Maxilom monument

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu Police Provincial Office unveiled yesterday the statue of General Arcadio M. Maxilom inside its headquarters in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City.

The event coincided with the 158th birthday of the Cebuano hero and a native of Tuburan town.

Led by CPPO acting director, Police Col. Aladdin Collado, the event was attended by the descendants of Maxilom led by Dr. Zarmie Liz Maxilom Reyes-Briones and Tuburan town officials led by Mayor Danilo Diamante and Vice Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante.

Also present during the unveiling were Police Regional Office 7 director, Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro and retired Police Major Gen. Noel Gillamac, former CPPO director who started the undertaking to name the CPPO headquarters into Camp Arcadio Maxilom.

Collado, in his welcome message, thanked the kin of Maxilom, saying that the monument symbolizes respect to the Cebuano hero and fighter so that he will be remembered in history and for the generation of police officers to come.

“His legacy as a brave soldier will bolster our fervor to remain focused in our duties to the Cebuanos and never falter as public servants,” Collado said.

Ferro, in his message, also expressed that Maxilom’s sacrifices remind all of them to be steadfast in their duties as defenders of peace and order.

He also recognized the great art and creativity of Cebuanos of which the monument is a masterpiece of Cebuano artist Arturo Araneta.

The defunct Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police Cebu Provincial Command along Salinas Drive, Cebu City was used to be the Camp Arcadio Maxilom sometime in 1988.

Few years later, the headquarters was transferred to Lutopan, Toledo City then transferred to Sudlon, Lahug which is now the present location of the Highway Patrol Group impounding area and then at the present site of the CPPO.

Gillamac said that since then, the name Camp Arcadio Maxilom was never heard nor mentioned in letters and official communications of the PNP.

It was Gillamac when assumed office as CPPO director who made necessary papers so that the headquarters can truly have a permanent place like other provincial or city police offices.

The Cebu provincial government had donated a property which is now the present site of the CPPO headquarters.

Gillamac said he was the one who urged former Chief PNP, General Alan Purisimo, to rename the camp as Camp Arcadio Maxilom.

Vice Mayor Diamante said that it was during his time as mayor that the Sangguniang Bayan led by now Mayor Diamante passed a resolution supporting the request of Gillamac.

Not only that, Vice Mayor Diamante said the SB also authorized him to purchase a full size statue of Maxilom in the amount of P1.2 million to be placed inside the CPPO headquarters.

The Diamantes are distant relatives of Maxilom who was a town mayor of Tuburan 1892.

Briones also thanked the CPPO and the local government of Tuburan for recognition given to their grandfather.

She added that may the heroic deeds and his selflessness inspire the Cebuanos especially in this extra-challenging and difficult situation. (FREEMAN)