City turns over 1 of 2 vehicles to PDEA

THE Cebu City government handed over one of two vehicles to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7).

According to General Services Office (GSO) head Ronald Malacora, a Suzuki Grand Vitara was already handed over to PDEA-7 last Monday. The vehicle used to be assigned to former city councilor Roberto Cabarrubias.

Another vehicle, a 2003 Mitsubishi Adventure, is set to be turned over today after the GSO fixed the car’s mechanical problem.

Malacora said he was instructed by Mayor Tomas Osmeña to turn over the two vehicles that have been kept at City Hall.

The PDEA will also get fuel allocation from the city government, the amount of which is yet to be determined, he said.

Osmeña earlier said the city will also provide allowances to all PDEA 7 agents. This after he met new PDEA-7 Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz, who is a Cebuano.

The two vehicles were not among those intended for the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) which were not turned over by Osmeña who said he won’t support the police anymore after former CCPO director Benjamin Santos was relieved without his consent.

“It’s on standby. It’s already complete with markings, blinkers and radio. But for now, it’s on standby. Basin mausab pa diay ang hunahuna sa mayor (the mayor might change his mind),” Malacora told reporters.

Among the vehicles intended for the CCPO were 22 patrol cars, including three for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Another 15 Hi-lux vehicles, which used to be assigned to barangay captains, were supposed to be turned over to the police but was also withheld by the city government.