Cebu City’s new police chief launches 24/7 hotline
Citizens in Cebu City can now report directly 24/7 to Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Senior Supt. Royina Garma through the “Itug-an ni CD” hotline that was launched yesterday.
Garma said that the public can also relay to the police their reports about illegal drugs, gambling, violation of laws and ordinances, and good and bad deeds of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel through their pages in Facebook, Twitter and Viber accounts.
“When you say ‘itug-an’ it’s reporting to me their observations, mga good or bad deeds of our police officers, or they can also post their requests and at the same time suggestions so that we will be able to warn the community of the most prevalent crimes right now so they could also help in its preven- tion,” Garma said.
Two I.T. personnel will accept the complaints and will refer these to the concerned police officers, she said.
The newly-installed city director also asked for understanding from the public when it comes to the time it takes to respond to complaints.
“Hindi po lahat ng complaint ma-aaksyonan outright so I hope maintindihan din nga ibang nagrereklamo because we need to validate this and we need to send police officers to look into this,” she said.
Garma said that complainants need not to introduce themselves as all the information will be strictly confidential, but the information should be specific so that the police could quickly verify reports.
Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants the new chief to focus on the enforcement of all the ordinances and strengthen police visibility in streets.
Garma paid a courtesy visit to Osmeña yesterday, where they discussed the latter’s directives.
In an interview, Garma said that Osmeña doesn’t care if crime rate in the city is high as it is one way of proving that the law enforcers are doing their job.
“He has some instructions on how to protect Cebuanos and it’s doable on our part. He is also committed to support the PNP and the City is open if may we need something. He told me that he can accommodate us,” Garma said.
The police chief said she is committed to comply with the mayor’s orders.
Garma said CCPO will implement all the local laws of the city, including the anti-vandalism policy. /