Police chief hopeful Tom will accept him

DORIA

THOUGH he knows Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña didn’t like him, Senior Supt. Joel Doria is hopeful that the mayor will change his mind and accept him as chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).

Doria said he’s happy that the National Police Commission (Napolcom) restored Osmeña’s authority over the local police.

“That’s a good development although I have not received the official notice yet,” he said.

Doria said he has always shown willingness to work with the mayor, especially in the campaign against illegal drugs and other crimes.

Asked if he’s willing to meet with Osmeña at City Hall, Doria said, “Anytime. I have no problem with that.”

After he assumed his post last July, Doria said he wanted to pay a courtesy visit to the mayor. However, his plea fell on deaf ears.

“Nagsabi na po ako nga mag-courtesy call ako. Hinihintay ko lang ang schedule niya. (I have manifested my desire to pay a courtesy call to him. I’m just waiting for the schedule),” Doria said.

Last month, Napolcom stripped Osmeña of his right over the Cebu City police after he publicly announced that he would no longer support the local police.

Osmeña earlier withdrew support to the CCPO and the newly appointed police officers and washed his hands off the fight against illegal drugs and criminality after Camp Crame relieved former Police Regional Office-7 Director Patrocinio Comendador and CCPO Director Benjamin Santos from their posts.

The mayor also abandoned the cash reward system for each dead crime suspect and announced that he would stop giving allowances to new policemen who would be assigned to the city.

Osmeña said he didn’t want Doria to lead the CCPO, saying the police official, who used to be the chief of the Pasay City Police, even failed to ensure the safety of participants of the Close-up Forever Summer Party earlier this year.

Five people died of drug overdose during the outdoor concert at the SM Mall of Asia.

Lawyer Rogelio Casurao, Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer, said they are about to restore the deputation powers of Osmeña after things have been discussed.