Cocpo cites media help in campaign against criminality

The chief of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) has commended the local media for its continuing support in the police’s drive against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality.

Cocpo chief Senior Superintendent Robert Roy Bahian cited the partnership of the police and the media in effecting change and development during the Police Community Relations (PCR) month celebration on Wednesday, July 26, at the new Cocpo headquarters in Barangay 40, this city.

Bahian said the media plays a vital role in bridging strong relationship and mutual trust between the police and the community.

The city police director also acknowledged the contribution of the media in the maintenance of peace and order.

“Sometimes akala natin ang media makulit, palaban... pero in deeper sense katulong natin ang media in the maintenance of peace and order,”Bahian said.

Bahian said the recent arrest of personalities linked with the Maute terror group in the city and other lawless elements can be, in one way or another, attributed to the media.

Bahian emphasized that the accomplishments of the government forces and other law enforcers are accomplishments also of the community including the media.

“Our accomplishment is not only ours but collective efforts of all sectors of the community and that includes the media. After all peace and order is everybody’s business,”Bahian said.

Coinciding with the media recognition, Bahian also officiated the turn-over ceremony of the City Executive Senior Police Officer (Cespo) position.

Inspector Apollo Edio relinquished his post to Senior Police Officer 4 (SPO4) Saul Abel Yacapin after the former retired in police service.

Bahian said the Cespo is tasked to look after the welfare of all police non-commissioned officers (PNCOs).

“Ang Cepso parang City director yan. He will be the one to lead the PNCOs,”Bahian said.

“To our incoming Cespo, may you endure the challenges being top PNCO of Cocpo, your ability to handle the PNCOs is much more expected to make our office serve the common goal of our organization,”Bahian said.