Cebu City police chief replaced ahead of Eucharistic congress

Cebu City is getting a new police director a few weeks before the International Eucharistic Congress. CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A new police chief has been assigned in Cebu City in the wake of the preparations for the Cebu’s hosting of the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) this month.

Senior Supt. Benjamin Santos would take over as director of the Cebu City Police Office based on the order issued by Camp Crame which was received by Supt. Renato Dugan, acting human resources division chief of Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), on Monday.

Santos, Deputy Chief of Administration in Camp Crame, will replace Senior Supt. Marciano Batiancela who will head the task force in charge for the security preparations for the Sinulog festivities which will culminate on Jan. 17 with the Sinulog Grand Parade.

City officials have earlier asked Cramp Crame to retain Batiancela due to his involvement in the security preparations for the IEC, which would be held for the first time here on Jan. 24 to 31.

At least 15,000 delegates from all over the world are expected to attend the IEC.

While the order took effect on Jan. 9, there was no word yet as to when Santos would assume his new assignment.

Also included in the revamp is Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac who will be replaced as chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office by Senior Supt. Clifford Gairanod, head of Regional Public Safety Battalion based in Sibonga town, southern Cebu.
Gillamac will be assigned at the PRO-7 based in Cebu City.

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