P28M budget for police equipment still pending

Over P28 million allocated for various equipment for Cebu City policemen under the 2015 budget remains to be in a "hanging" status.

City Councilor David Tumulak, chairman of the peace and order committee of the city council, said he does not understand the delay in the bidding of the project.

"Naa ra na diha sa taas, sa ABC, I don't know unsay status ron basta P28 million various police equipment ni siya, 2015 budget, wala pa na-bid, Approved Budget Control pa," said Tumulak.

The equipment to be purchased includes M4, bullet proof vests and other gears for the Special Weapon and Tactics team. Budget for trainings of the police are also included in the amount.

"Ang atoa sang various equipment moabot nig P28 million comprise of highpowered firearms intended for the police including the trainings sa PNP to enhance their capability, so this year would be the implementation stage, so mao nang akoa sang gi-follow-up sad ang executive to implement this project," he added.

In a message to The FREEMAN, City Budget Officer Marietta Gumia said bidding is still needed.

Further, Tumulak said he will inquire if Mayor Tomas Osmeña would not approve the purchase of the equipment considering that he made an earlier announcement to recall the firearms.

"It's unfair for the constituents of Cebu City. The people of Cebu City deserve that kind of project kay para na sa pag-maintain sa public order and safety. Well as of this time basi’g naa pa siya sa kasapot, we're just hoping nga iya nang mausab ang iyang huna-huna, niya ibalik niya didto sa kapulisan," Tumulak said.

Tumulak added that if Osmeña will divert the allocated funds, it would need to pass the council.

"No, kay kung ila nang i-divert ang maong fund they have to pass through the City Council which ari gihapon na sa atoang opisina kay kita may chairman sa public order and safety, if ever we will scrutinize the proposal, if in case," he added.

In a memorandum dated July 15, Osmeña directed the Cebu City Police Office, city councilors, department heads, barangay officials and City Hall employees to return their city-issued firearms for inventory purposes.

"You are hereby directed to return all issued firearms under your possession to the City Government through the General Services Office (GSO) within five days from receipt of the notice. Henceforth, you can no longer use and possess these firearms owned by the city government without my written consent or authority," the memorandum reads.

Records of General Services Office show that the city issued 95 firearms. However, as of last Wednesday, only 45 have returned their firearms.

Also, Tumulak opposes Osmeña's plan to recall the city-issued vehicles of the CCPO.

"Dili gyud na angayan nga iyang i-recall kato atoang mga patrol cars kay kanang maong mga patrol cars kay intended na sa Philippine National PoliceCebu City Police Office, gibudgetan gyud na nato sa 2015, so angayan gyud na ihatag nato sa mga kapulisan," Tumulak said.

Meanwhile, Tumulak is in favor with Osmeña's plan not to return ambulances to barangays unless they have licensed personnel for rescue emergencies.

"Yes as long as they are registered nurses kay ang atoang registered nurse gyud ang ibutang, dili kay trained lang kay it's unfair pud sa atong katawhan nga mohatag nila og hospital care and they are not qualified not only on training but they are also licensed. Ang importante licensed, professional health care provider," he said.

Dated July 14, Osmeña issued a memorandum recalling the city-issued ambulances and mini-buses to three barangays identified as Team Rama allies. These barangays include Agsungot, Babag and Cambinocot.

Osmeña said he will also issue a memorandum to other barangays.