CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The City Council has approved a resolution urging the Philippine National Police Regional Office 10 to relieve the station commander of Cogon Police Station following the road mishap that killed a nine-year-old girl at Cogon Market last week.
The move aims to strengthen police visibility and public safety in one of the city’s busiest commercial districts after the incident triggered public outrage and mob violence.
During its regular session on April 27, the council passed the resolution asking for the replacement of Police Major Mario Mantalla Jr., citing the need for stronger leadership and quicker police response in the area.
Read Related story: Minor selling eco-bags in Cogon Market ran over by PUJ
The fatal incident happened Thursday when a young girl selling eco-bags was run over by a passenger jeepney.
Angry bystanders reportedly assaulted the driver and overturned the vehicle, raising concerns over both road safety and law enforcement response.
Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, Majority Floor Leader and author of the resolution, condemned the mob action and stressed that justice should be handled through proper legal channels.
“This happened near the police station,” Cabanlas said, emphasizing the need for stronger and more visible police presence in Cogon.
He said the area requires officers who can quickly respond, maintain peace and order, and prevent situations from escalating into violence.
While clarifying that he was not directly demanding Mantalla’s removal, Cabanlas urged police leadership to review the station’s performance and consider personnel changes if necessary.
Councilor Girlie Balaba supported the resolution, saying Cogon Market’s heavy foot traffic requires stricter law enforcement and stronger police visibility.
“We cannot rest easy knowing that police enforcement in such a busy area is lacking,” she said.
Minority Floor Leader Agapito Suan, however, called for due process and said the police station should also be given the chance to explain its side.
He proposed referring the matter to the committee on public utilities for further review.
“We also want to hear their side on what happened during the incident,” Suan said.
As of posting time, Police Major Mario Mantalla Jr. has yet to issue a statement regarding the resolution.
For residents and vendors in Cogon, the council’s action highlights a larger concern: ensuring safer streets, stronger police presence, and accountability to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
