Cebu prov’l police is top drug buster

The Cebu Provincial Police Office marked its 334rd anniversay yesterday, buoyed by a national award from Camp Crame as having the best performing Provincial Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group.

The citation was received by Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr. last August 23.

Comendador paid tribute to the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, saying he was like a father to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in allocating budgets of the police down to the lowest level.

Robredo, who was buried with honors of a state funeral in Naga City, Camarines Sur yesterday, was praised for his policy of transparency in the PNP.

“He (Robredo) was transparent to everybody. We have to work it out and make good with our resources.” said Comendador.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia who attended the anniversary celebration, commended the police for “making a mark” in ensuring peace and order.

“We are very happy that at last our efforts, our campaign against illegal drugs is recognized for the whole nation. We really didn’t know that we were e one of the contenders,” said Comendador.

Meanwhile , 65 sacks of pirated CDs and DVDs seized in Consolacion town and Talisay City were destroyed using a road roller.

Governor Garcia maneuvered the roller in crushing the pirated goods laid on the road.

Seven video karera machines seized in Naga City and Consolacion were also destroyed.

At least 1,559 marijuana plants seized in Danao City with an estimated street value of P900,600 were burned.

In a separate interview, Governor Garcia assured CPPO of the Capitol’s “support”.

She commended the drastic decrease of crimes in Cebu province.

“It is not just a subjective analysis. There are statistics to back this up,” said Garcia.

She said the crime rate from 2010 up to present decreased by 32 to 33 percent.

Several CPPO policemen also received awards for “Best in Tamang Bihis”, “Best Tourist Police”, Best in Handcuffing Techniques”, “Best in Low and High Risk Checkpoint”, “Best in Most Number of Arrest”, and “Best in Affidavit Writing”, among others.

The Tabuelan police precinct won first place in the “Best Police Patrol Car” in Cebu province.

Earlier in the day, groundbreaking rites were held for a Crisis Center of the Cebu Women’s Development Center.

The center is located outside the CCPO.

This will serve as a “shelter” for women who are victims of violence in Cebu province. /Reporter Rhea Ruth V. Rosell and Gabriel C. Bonjoc