3 ‘missing’ cops report to respective stations

THREE police officers who were tagged as “missing” by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) when typhoon Odette struck on Dec. 16, 2021, have reported to their respective police stations.

This was announced by Police Lt. Col. Ryan Devaras, deputy city director for administration of the CCPO.

Devaras said the 1,099 CCPO personnel are all accounted for after the three previously missing persons informed them that they were safe. He said they gave the three some time before declaring them as missing or subjecting them to an investigation for an administrative case.

Devaras added that because they were able to show up before the deadline, there is no need for an investigation.

The three were not able to report to their stations right away because of the damages the typhoon caused either on their homes or on the streets on the way to the station.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 sent additional forces to Cebu City from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 that arrived Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, and have been assigned to 11 police stations.

A total of 72 additional personnel were sent by the PRO 7 to assist in the relief and clearing operations on the streets of Cebu City that are not yet completely safe for motorists.

They will also help maintain peace and order especially that the residents are recent typhoon victims.

They will also be deployed on the streets for police visibility, including areas with long queues for automated teller machines and supermarkets.

Devaras said Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos also promised additional forces from another region unaffected by the typhoon although there is no definite date yet of their arrival.

He said this will be a big help as there is still much to be taken care of such as road clearing. (AYB / CCP)