The City Council has passed a resolution requesting Police Regional Office 10 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano and COCPO City Director Col. Dexter Paje to replace Police Major Mario Mantala Jr. as commander of Cogon Police Station.

This move follows the tragic death of 9-year-old Rayhana Meno, who was fatally struck by a jeep at Yacapin-Vicente Roa Streets on April 23.

Council Majority Leader Kag. Edgar Cabanlas stated that Cogon Market should not be overseen by a weak police commander, hence their call for Mantala’s removal.

The incident escalated when the driver, Julito Palma of Patag liner, was beaten by the victim’s relatives, and his jeep was destroyed by angry residents while police failed to intervene.

The council emphasized that strong leadership is needed to maintain order in the busy Cogon area.