Rama to push recall of Natu-el’s appointment as cop chief

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama questioned a Camp Crame order designating Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr. as Cebu City police chief, saying it violates the election ban on appointments of officials.

“I want Natu-el to officially present the order to me because it’s his responsibility to inform me. As far as I’m concerned, if I don’t have a copy of it, he is still the acting city police chief,” Rama said.

Rama is vocal in his choice of Senior Supt. Noli Romana, who currently heads the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 7 (CIDG-7) as Natu-el’s replacement.

“Others say that he has solved crimes. But that is not my standard of peace and order. Peace and order for me is a good program on prevention of crimes as much as possible,” he said.

Section 63 of Republic Act 8551 or the New Police Act of 1998 gives mayors and governors authority to choose their chiefs of police from a list of five candidates given by the PNP office.

The mayor can also push for the recall or reassignment of the chief of police as he or she deems it fit.

Rama said as mayor, he takes full responsibility for the city’s peace and order.

Rama said he already talked with Romana and the official had no problem with his decision.

He said PNP Director General Alan Purisima told him last Tuesday to send another letter requesting Romana’s appointment.

The mayor will send the letter today or tomorrow. Natu-el was appointed acting Cebu City police chief in December last year, replacing Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe.

Natu-el declined to comment on Rama’s position, but earlier said he was challenged by the mayor’s decision and promised to do better. Correspondent Jose Santino Bunachita