5 cops, 1 fire crew supervisor, 2 civilians retiring from DPS

Five police officers, a fire crew supervisor, and two civilians who have been in government service for over 20 years are retiring this month from the Department of Public Safety.

The retiring police officers are Sgt. Cypriano K. Berki, a patrol section shift supervisor; Police Officer III Jose Albert Borja Cepeda, a patrol section shift field supervisor; Sgt. Antonio Ronald SN. Dela Cruz, officer in charge of the summons and warrants; Capt. Pete C. Muna of the Bureau of Motor Vehicle; and Sgt. Larry A. Sokau, a summons and warrants field supervisor.

Acting DPS spokesman Eric F. David said from the Fire Division, fire crew supervisor Enrique F. Rebuenog is also retiring.

David said the civilian retirees are Margaret Retan, a record specialist at the Fire Division, and Connie C. Iginoef, secretary II at the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Tomorrow is the last day of the eight retirees.

David said DPS Commissioner Santiago F. Tudela and Gov. Juan N. Babauta will hold a ceremony today to honor the retirees at the DPS training and academy class room.

David said the departure of these officers would not cause a major impact in the DPS staffing, considering that police officers who have been deployed in Iraq are expected to come back in Feb. 2006.

The spokesman said the retirement is good news for the Police Officers II and III “because there are slots open for them to climb up the ladder.”

Retired Police Maj. R. B. Camacho had earlier expressed concern that DPS may end up losing many veteran police officers who may retire in December to take advantage of the 30 percent bonus which will no longer be provided starting next year.

There are 20 to 30 seasoned police officers who are eligible to get the 30 percent bonus for 20 years of government service, said Camacho.

“If these seasoned police officers exit DPS this December, we will end up with no one guiding the rookie police officers,” Camacho said.

Camacho appealed to lawmakers to draft legislation that would provide incentives to prevent veteran officers from losing the 30 percent bonus even if they don’t retire this year.

But Commissioner Tudela had assured that DPS would not end up being run by rookie police officers, contrary to Camacho’s statement.