In a significant move to improve crime resolution, the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) has officially launched its City Forensic Unit (CFU). The activation ceremony took place on Friday at Camp Vicente Alagar, located in Barangay Lapasan, which serves as the headquarters for the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10). The event was marked by a blessing led by a police chaplain, symbolizing the unit’s commitment to serving the community.
Lt. Col. Sotero Rodrigo Jr., the head of the CFU, shared that the unit’s establishment was planned in September 2024 and received approval from Mayor Rolando Uy in November of the same year. During the launch, Rodrigo expressed optimism about the unit’s future, stating, “We have taken the first step and we will get there one step at a time.” He highlighted that the CFU would significantly reduce the time needed for evidence analysis, as it would no longer be necessary to send evidence to distant cities like Davao or Manila.
Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, Director of PRO-10, emphasized the critical role of the CFU in enhancing the efficiency of crime-solving efforts. He noted, “Our eagerness to solve crimes relies on forensic experts as we recover evidence. If we don’t have a good office, we can’t perform and function.” The establishment of the CFU aligns with the planned relocation of the PRO-10 headquarters to Barangay Gusa, with the current site set to be handed over to COCPO.