Emano pushes for release of subsidies for security personnel

Councilor Yevonna Yacine “Yvy” B. Emano pushed for the release of the incentives and subsidies for the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Task Force Oro, and the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) who help ensure the security and safety of Cagayan de Oro, particularly during the Higalaay Festival.

During her special report, Emano stressed that alongside preparations and coordination for the successful celebration of the Higalaay Festival activities, the city must also ensure the promised support for security personnel is released on time.

While the coordination for the month-long celebration went well, the lady councilor noted that discussions should focus not only on what security agencies can provide but also on what support they can get from the local government.

Emano cited Ordinance Nos. 14599-2023 and 4665-2023 which approved and implemented in 2023 for the provision of monthly allowance of P2,500 from the local government to 110 uniformed personnel, plus P2.4 million annually for mobilization and operations.

“Gisaad na baya nato, ako lang na matagaan ug assurance nga during the Higalaay Festival or during the fiesta nga sa tanan kalihukan, nag-support baya ang atong men in uniform, nag-commit sila, nag-coordinate sila with us, kadtong nag plano sa activities, the least we can do is support them also”, Emano said, calling for assurance that the city government will give the allowances and other forms of support since they provide security during the Higalaay Festival activities.

According to Emano, the monthly allowance is intended to help cover the personnel’s meals and fuel expenses. She said the security personnel have not received the allowance for five to six months.

Councilor Roger Abaday, meanwhile, said the city has continued to support the deployed uniformed personnel and is not lacking in assistance for them.

Councilor Alam Lim also assured that funding has been allocated for the security personnel and urged concerned staff to follow up on the release of the subsidies.

Still, Emano urged the local government to expedite the processing of the said subsidy for the uniformed personnel and maximize available resources to strengthen peace and order efforts. (JAO &PGU/SP)