THOUGH most are getting used to the idea of receiving gifts in the coming days, Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Carmelo Valmoria will be strict when it comes to receiving things from “dubious characters.”

In a news conference Friday, he made it clear that he did not want to hear of any of his personnel soliciting from anybody for their station or unit’s Christmas parties.

Reports have it that some people donate lechon, wine and other food for the police force’s Christmas parties.

Valmoria emphasized that soliciting from individuals is strictly prohibited.

As for those who voluntarily give items to stations, Valmoria said they did not have to accept these, especially if these are from persons who have “dubious occupations” or are clearly involved in illegal activities.

“Some people voluntarily give lechon or cases of beer. What for? For what reason?” he said. Should officials of the local government unit provide for the station, Valmoria said he saw no problem with this. But he stressed they should not ask for it.

Aside from prohibiting solicitations, he also won’t allow any of them to go Christmas caroling.

“There are a lot of things to be done. If they go home late because they went caroling, how can they perform their duties the next day?” Valmoria pointed out.

He said they need not spend much for their Christmas parties. What is important, he said, is that the “spirit of the yuletide season” is included in the program.

In encouraging simplicity for their Christmas parties, he added that he no longer included the station commanders in the party at the CPPO headquarters last year.

“If I invite the chiefs of police, I will not be requiring a single cent from them,” he added.

A police chief was relieved and investigated last year after Valmoria learned he had made solicitations for their Christmas party.

“I am asking the public, if any police officer would solicit or ask for something from you for the yuletide season or any special occasion, please get in touch with me and identify the person who asked something from you,” he said.

He asked to be contacted at 2560116 or 2650117, or through cell phone 09188277600.

All leaves of police officers will be canceled between Dec. 15 and the first week of January, while the deployment of personnel will be realigned to secure those attending the Misa de Gallo beginning Dec. 16. (MEA)

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(November 23, 2008 issue)
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