Centro police look for new precinct

THE Mandaue City government is looking for a new site for the police precinct of barangay Centro.

The station occupies the second floor of the old Mandaue public market which is considered structurally unsound.

Water utilities have already been cut off in the station.

The station is no longer using its detention cell after the City Engineering Office (CEO) declared the building unhabitable.

For now the police use the holding cells of barangay Subangdaku and Basak police stations.

City Hall first planned to move the precinct to the new public market but Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac said it was not easily accessible to the public.

“We can’t transfer to just anywhere because a police station should be placed in a strategic location,” said Gillamac, chief of the Mandaue City police.

Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes said the city is still searching for a lot where a new police precinct will be built.

He said the Philippine National Police will fund construction of the new building.

Centro police will continue to be efficient despite these physical limitations, said Gillamac.

Last Monday , the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. awarded Gillamac a plaque of commendation for “genuine effort in fighting criminality and lawlessness in the city.”

Gillamac said he was thankful for the recognition and assured that the MCPO will continue to work hard to maintain peace and order in the city./CORRESPONDENT JUCELL MARIE P. CUYOS