Woman drops compliant vs. Pardo Police Station

The Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau may close its investigation against the Pardo Police Station elements accused of inaction by a woman who was victimized by a pickpocket last June 3 after she decided not to push through with her complaint.

In her letter to CIIB chief Paul Labra, Rhodelia Caretero said she was not assured that the investigation would be closed to the media, whom she accused of sensationalizing her complaint since June 26 without her knowledge.

Saying that there might be police officers or other persons who might be against her and her husband who is a policeman, Caretero stressed that if she had wanted publicity, she would have lodged her complaint before a radio station.

"I won't be filling any complaint against any law enforcers because for me this is not the solution, just a waste of time and money. Only one will be penalized," she said in her complaint.

Caretero reported the alleged inaction of the Pardo Police Station to Malacañang and the Office of the President, in turn, has referred the matter to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame.

Camp Crame officials then directed the regional police office to order the Cebu City police to investigate the case to determine who among the Pardo policemen has the liability.

City police director Melvin Gayotin, on the other hand, had ordered the relief of SPO4 Jaime Repompo, the station desk officer who was on duty when the woman sought assistance.

Gayotin said that with Caretero's statement, the CIIB may close its investigation but clarified that he will wait for the report and recommendation of Labra on the case. - Jose P. Sollano