Losing a media-friendly general (Latest Sabong News)
Author
Annie Perez
Date
DECEMBER 24 2022
When Camp Crame announced that the new regional director for Central Visayas would be Brigadier General Roderick Alba, my heart skipped a beat. His was a familiar name. I knew that he was the husband of ABS-CBN Cebu's former station manager, he was also the public information of the whole police organization. Something in me knew, we were going to be in good hands.
Indeed we were. The first thing he assured us that he will be a talking regional director. That meant that he would not shy away from us from petty to big issues, as long as we had a story to tell. The trait was not just in his level, but he mandated all station commanders to do the same. He underscores public information so greatly which he deems is key in boosting the morale of the cops. He also sees this as an assurance to the community that the police force is doing their jobs.
In the middle of good dynamics between the media and this state force, came a blunt. Alba was relieved of his job which he held on to for barely two months. Speculations were raised about issues on e-sabong and an arrest of a police officer involved in robbery. These topics were answered gracefully by Alba where he attributed his transfer to the nature of the job. But we weren't quick to lose heart.
As a Cebuana, it doesn't quite make sense to change leadership in the middle of planning for big events. We are on our way to Christmas, New Year and more importantly the Sinulog. The whole region is anticipating an influx of visitors, both foreign and local. Although the event will be held primarily in Cebu, trips to other provinces are inevitable. How can the police assure continuity with a sudden break, a sudden stop?
As a journalist, we will revert back to the stern ways of the authorities. There will be no more "Monday Morning Habit" of having a presser to update the public about the week that was. No more soundbytes to be posted on their social media pages. We go back to the traditional way of having to beg for information, when it should always be available to the public as long as it doesn't jeopardize the operation.
We lost a media-friendly General, one that we will dearly miss. The one who replaced him shall fill in his big shoes but we are not expecting the same. What we ask for is transparency as Central Visayas is one of the most watched in the country. We clamor for clear ideas, good vision and proper direction especially as everyone is going out and about. While the economy is back on their feet, so are those who have bad intentions as well.
At times when we don't understand, we are always told to trust. I'm not too sure if this is too rash to trust now. We'd like to know the new general a little bit more before the whole world starts to come to visit.
