Acting Cebu City police chief to focus on anti-illegal gambling fight

THE fight against illegal gambling will be intensified under the leadership of the new  officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).

Senior Supt. Mariano Natuel said yesterday he will focus on the order of Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, chief of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas, to eradicate illegal gambling

Natuel said he will implement a one-strike policy where one “mistake” will lead to the relief of a police officer.

His other big challenge is to ensure peace and order in the days leading to the Sinulog celebration on Jan. 20.

The turnover ceremony at CCPO was held on Jan. 1.

Natuel replaced Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, who was transferred to  Camp Crame after completing a tour of duty as CCPO chief that exceeded two years.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has endorsed Senior Supt. Noli Romana as Buenafe’s successor.

The endorsement has been forwarded to the Camp Crame.

Natuel, a native of Bacolod City, said he was familiar with Cebu City where he has lived for at least 20 years.

He said he had no plans to reshuffle staff.

Natuel said he will adopt energy conservation at the police headquarters after noticing that the CCPO has been spending a lot for energy consumption in  previous years.

“I have to lead by example,” said Natuel.

For a start, as soon as he assumed his post, Natuel turned off the air-conditioniner in his office./Correspondent Tweeny M. Malinao