BAD TIMING? Garcia unhappy over change of leadership in CCPO

Local

MAYOR Raymond Alvin Garcia has expressed dissatisfaction with the recent leadership change at the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), calling the timing inappropriate as it coincides with the final preparations for the Sinulog Festival.

Col. Enrico Figueroa was appointed as the CCPO’s new officer-in-charge, succeeding Col. Antonietto Cañete. The transition came shortly after Brig. Gen. Redrico Atienza Maranan replaced Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin as the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) director.

“So, now in the middle of the road, in the middle of everything, imong ilisan. Murag dili gyud kaayo maayo ang timing (You replace them. The timing doesn’t seem very good),” Garcia said in a press conference on Monday, January 13.

Garcia said the change disrupted preparations for the Sinulog, where Cañete had been leading efforts to ensure peace and order during the celebration.

The mayor emphasized that the timing was problematic, as it occurred at a critical stage in the festival’s planning.

He revealed that he was not consulted about the change, adding that he would have opposed it if given the opportunity.

He explained that the city was at the peak of Sinulog preparations, with security plans in place under Cañete’s supervision, making the transition untimely.

Despite his initial reaction, Garcia instructed Figueroa to thoroughly review and implement the security measures previously established by Cañete to ensure public safety during the festival.

The mayor underscored his priority of maintaining peace and order for residents and visitors alike.

Garcia acknowledged Cañete’s contributions during his tenure, describing him as one of the most effective city directors Cebu City had ever seen. He credited Cañete with successfully addressing public safety concerns and leading essential preparations for Sinulog.

Cañete’s term was not without controversy, including the arrest of former City Administrator Collin Rosell for alleged usurpation of authority.

Nevertheless, the mayor praised his leadership and commended his service during his six months as CCPO chief.

The mayor recognized that leadership changes in local police offices are common, particularly with the recent appointment of a new PRO 7 director. He noted, however, that such transitions should avoid disrupting significant events like Sinulog.

Figueroa, during his first courtesy call to the mayor, assured Garcia of his commitment to maintaining peace and order during the festival.

He pledged to build on his predecessor’s plans and implement security measures effectively to ensure the safety of the public and the success of Sinulog 2025.(MyTVCebu)