CPPO asking for 2,800 more cops

The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) has called for additional manpower and modern equipment to effectively serve Cebu Province’s 3.3 million residents.

- Jonnavie Villa/BRP

Acting CPPO director Police Colonel Christopher M. Bermudez, who appeared before the Cebu Provincial Board during its 17th regular session yesterday, said the province currently has only 2,653 police personnel.

He explained that the present ratio stands at one police officer for every 1,200 residents, far from the ideal staffing pattern of one officer per 500 residents.

To meet this standard, Bermudez stressed that Cebu needs an additional 2,800 police officers.

Tourist police strength also remains low at just 119 personnel, a figure Bermudez admitted is insufficient, especially in island destinations where only two to three officers are deployed.