Unity is key to crime solution – Garma

CEBU, Philippines — Unity among stakeholders in the community is a must in fighting illegal drugs, and other crimes.

This is according to Police Senior Superintendent Royina Garma, the director of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), in her speech during the fourth annual Cebu City Advisory Council meet.

She added there should be a holistic approach in combatting all forms of criminality and a limited police force should be assisted by the local government officials, businessmen, educators, non-government organizations and even media men.

“It simply means we need to unite and stop pointing the finger as to who should be working and solving the problem. We should be united, and working together. This is a challenge to all of us, not just on drugs but finding the solution to all crimes,” she said.

The meeting with the theme: Panaghiusa ang Yawi sa Kalinaw og Kalambuan, the fourth Cebu City advisory council meeting was attended by Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella, city councilors, Philip Zafra, Joel Garganera, and former mayor Alvin Garcia.

Also present were the members of the Regional Advisory Council, including the chairman of the National Advisory Council Prudencio Gesta, media men, at least 200 police officers and station commanders who presented the latest accomplishments and community service oriented activities.

The event includes seminar workshops with member of the youth and also the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

Labella, in his speech, said he was impressed with the accomplishments of the Cebu City Police Office and it saddens him hearing that there is a plan not to give cash incentive or allowance to cops who are not Cebu City voters.

“It saddens me that there was an announcement that those who do not vote in Cebu City will not be allowed to receive allowance. This has something to do with the kind of work police face. By all means, we should provide. They should deserve the cash incentive that any local government should provide,” Labella said in his speech. (FREEMAN)