CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — The first digital forensic laboratory in Cebu is now operational after the facility was inaugurated in the Capitol-owned lot in Sudlon, Lahug where the Cebu Provincial Police Office is also located.

The blessing and inauguration was attended by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Atty. Samuel Pagdilao Jr.

Bartolome said that with Cebu’s growing tourism, the police “need to level up” its act.

He added that the laboratory is “instrumental to our objective in the increase of the crime solution efficiency to address the needs and demands of the public.”

Pagdilao, meantime, is grateful to the provincial government for providing CIDG with the facility that will help speed up the investigation of crimes. He also said this will help prepare law enforcement agencies learn more about technology.

Garcia assured that the provincial government will continue to support the police. She said the building is a manifestation of the “cooperation, collaboration and working together for the common good” of both parties.