Buenafe will stay, says Rama

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama has not chosen anyone to replace the director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Senior Supt. Ramon Melvin Buenafe.

Rama wanted Buenafe to be retained, saying the best time to change the chain of command is after the 2013 elections yet.

In a news conference yesterday, Rama said the present leadership of the CCPO should not be changed yet, considering the big activities coming.

These include the national thanksgiving mass for the canonization of Pedro Calungsod and the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Rama said there is still Christmas, New Year and the 2013 Sinulog celebration to prepare for.

“I don’t think the current atmosphere warrants or justifies the change of the chain of command. The forthcoming activities would be (enough reason) for retention (of Buenafe). That is in my own assessment,” he said.

“After election, that would be the best time for changing guards,” he said.

Buenafe is up to be replaced after he exceeded the two-year mandatory term of duty. He was appointed by Rama as head of the CCPO in August 2010.

As replacement of Buenafe, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has recommended three names: Senior Supt. Erson Digal, chief of the Regional Operations and Plans Division; Senior Supt. Marciano Natu-el, chief of the Regional Logistics Division; and Senior Supt. Mariano Batiancila Jr., chief of the Regional Headquarters and Services Group.

Although he knows them, Rama said he has not chosen anyone to replace Buenafe.

Rama told PRO 7 to consult him, being the local chief executive, on whom to appoint as CCPO chief.

“They should be mindful kay kana nga position trust and confidence na,” he said.

Asked if he is satisfied with Buenafe’s performance, Rama said he is, adding that there is no more vigilantism in the city and that criminals in big crimes have been apprehended.

“So kudos ta ana. In line with professionalism and his performance, I’m satisfied,” he said.