Rama warns to replace police chief due to unresolved crimes

Failure to solve crimes in Cebu City may force Mayor Michael Rama to replace Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) city director Col. Ireneo Dalogdog.

Rama told media that he was dismayed about the CCPO as it has yet to recover the pieces of jewelry taken from Oro Sugbo Pawnshop and Jewelry Store on Colon Street last 25 November.

"I do not want to change, but if it keeps happening, if it continues like this, I'll just apologize in advance," the mayor warned.

"I have warned them. At least, take this warning seriously. In my history as mayor, I have changed chiefs of police. If I will do that, it means our police force is incompetent," he insisted.

Reports from different media outlets said six people allegedly involved in the robbery had already been arrested, including the alleged mastermind.

It's not acceptable that you catch the person but the millions worth of jewelry are left unaccounted for. Who is holding them?" Rama asked.

The stolen jewelry was reportedly worth P4 million.

It is through the operational control and supervisory power of the local chief executive that the police chief and other police officials can be replaced.

Dalogdog told the media that CCPO had already the lead on where the stolen pieces of jewelry were.

"Perhaps, if the lead that the Cebu City Police Office is now pursuing would result in the recovery of the stolen items," he said.

He assured Mayor Rama that CCPO investigators were working non-stop to locate the stolen items.

Dalogdog said the city's peace and order situation remains "safe and manageable" despite the series of criminal incidents that occurred since the start of the month.