CEBU CITY – The chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) ended days of speculations after she finally confirmed yesterday that she is set to become the next general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Police Col. Royina Garma has availed of an early retirement to join PCSO, ending a 24-year career in the police organization.
“It was a hard decision. It is going to be an extremely different situation for me since I will be moving from public service to corporate world,” said Garma.
Garma is still eligible to serve 10 more years in the Philippine National Police (PNP). “No one really convinced me to accept the offer. I made my own decision,” said Garma.
Garma refused to say who offered her the post but her transfer to the PCSO was announced by no less than President Duterte.
“The President made the announcement during the command conference of the PNP and the Armed Forces last June 18 in Malacanang,” said Police Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, chief of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7).
Sinas said Garma is a big loss for the CCPO.
“We are sad to see her go because we know that she can implement reforms. But we are happy that she was given an opportunity in PCSO and we are confident that she can be an asset there,” Sinas said.
Sinas credited Garma for implementing several programs at CCPO. “She has done a lot at CCPO even without the support of the previous administration,” Sinas said.
Garma didn’t get along with outgoing city Mayor Tomas Osmena that saw the two camps trading legal charges.
The PRO 7 is already preparing a list of police officials who will be considered as candidates to replace Garma. The list will be submitted to the Camp Crame.
“I prefer that the next CCPO chief will still be a lady police official. We already saw what female official like Garma can do. Female officials have this image that is incorruptible. Just look at CCPO now, even the comfort rooms are clean,” said Sinas.
“It is very important to have an effective CCPO chief because the situation in Cebu City affects the image of the entire Central Visayas,” added Sinas.
Garma, who will assume her post in PCSO in July, said she is ready to accept the challenges that she will be facing in her new career.
“I have done my research. I know what are the pressing issues at PCSO. I already have plans but it is still premature to divulge them,” said Garma. (Calvin Cordova)