Mayor says accusers bear ‘demonic, evil’ intentions
CEBU CITY (Feb. 6, 2024) – “No stone ought to be left unturned.”
Mayor Mike Rama gave the instruction to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) in order to identify and arrest the suspect behind the hit-and-run that killed a 23-year-old college graduate last Sunday, Feb. 4.
“I wish Col. (Ireneo) Dalogdog, and (Lt. Col.) Janette (Rafter) will bring about quick and fast investigation, to be fair to the victim,” Rama said in his Ingna’ng Mayor program over Sugboanon Channel today.
Meanwhile, the Mayor also reiterated his plan to pursue charges against those who claimed that he figured in the accident that killed Jeslar Uriel Larumbe, who was reviewing to take the board exams in April.
He said Dalogdog told him earlier today investigators will review footages of close circuit television (CCTV) at establishments along Queens Road, Ramon Aboitiz and Juana Osmeña streets.
I wish Col. Dalogdog, and (Lt. Col.) Janette (Rafter) to bring about quick and fast investigation, to be fair to the victim.
Mayor Mike Rama
While he does not want to pressure the police, Rama urged them to create a tight case against the driver responsible.
“I don’t want to be pushing them (police) and then, they will end up coming up with anything that is not well founded. Let the truth surface,” he pointed out.
The mayor also called on City Hall officials to assist the Larumbe family who hails from Buhisan near Don Bosco Technology Center – Cebu where Uriel studied, played basketball varsity and graduated in Grade 12 in 2019.
Rama also urged the perpetrator to surrender to the police in order to clear his or her name.
“To whoever was behind this, flight is guilt. As my old law professor would say ‘The wicked flee if no one pursues, but the innocent are as bold as a lion,’” he added.
Larumbe, 23, drove his motorcycle along Queens Road near the Redemptorist Church in Barangay Kamputhaw at daybreak on Sunday when a sports utility vehicle (SUV) struck him from behind.
The driver of the SUV reportedly fled from the scene without aiding Larumbe. Witnesses claimed the vehicle used blinkers.
More CCTVs needed
Rama also reiterated his call to have more CCTV cameras installed in strategic parts of the city.
In a press conference at City Hall after his teleradyo program, the mayor said he instructed City administrator Collin Rosell to fast track the acquisition of more CCTV cameras.
“I have become a broken record. I have told (Rosell) to make it quick as possible,” Rama said.
He said the City started acquiring CCTV cameras for the recent Sinulog Festival but not all areas got covered.
Rama said the City must install more CCTV cameras anticipating the arrival of more tourists in the city during several events this year.
These incliude the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet, the Cebu City Sports Olympics, and the Palarong Pambansa, and other MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibits) events.
“Mag-meeting gyud ka, emergency. Timetable dayun kung kanus-a,” Rama told Rosell.
Accusers beware
Rama also instructed his lawyers to study possible cases they can pursue against those who accused him that he figured in Larumbe’s death.
“This should be confronted. Henceforth, basta magtan-aw sila nga worthy nga ipa-cyberlibel, oral defamation, malicious accusations, let’s not make it pass. Give them a lesson,” the mayor said.
Rama said he was “dead serious, even to the point of arresting them and put them to jail. Very clear!”
He also warned his critics that they can not hide “in the guise of freedom of expression and in the mantle of privilege communication” just to malign him.
“The word ‘in the guise’ that alone is very deceptive. You must tell the truth because the truth will set you free,” Rama said, adding “I should not be onion skinned, but a lesson has to be taught.”
“They don’t deserve respect. They are not fighting issues in the halls of fairness and being right. They are trying to put matters to suit for their own what I call it demonic evil intentions,” he said.
Rama was upset during City Hall’s flag ceremony on Monday, Feb. 6, when he learned of the allegations against him on social media. He said he was in Bohol at the time of the incident.
“Ako pay nakaligis. Haskang lawgawa ning kalakiha. Unya ang akong nawong nakit-an pa gyud. Haskang tuytoya. Ngano man ni? Ing-ani nalang gyud ka demonyo ang nagpalibot dinhi sa siyudad?” Rama said in a Cebu City News and Information report.
“Wa gani koy kalibotan. Tua ko sa Bohol, ako na nuon ang nakaligis, gibiyaan sa akong sakyanan, nakit-an ang nawong ni Mike Rama. Yawa pahawa! Yes, yawa na. Tua ko sa Bohol,” he added. | PPRMN / jkv
Cebu City • News & Information 