Guardo camp files raps vs. two cops

The political camp of Cebu City south district congressional aspirant Jonathan Guardo yesterday filed a complaint before the Commission on Elections against two police officials for allegedly violating the election laws by allowing themselves to be used by Guardo’s political opponents.

Named respondents in the complaint for violation of Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code are Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch chief Sr. Insp. George Ylanan and Theft and Robbery Section chief Insp. Wilbert Parilla.

The filing of the complaint was based on the affidavit of Lemuel Sulapas, one of the political leaders of Guardo who claimed that he and two others were harassed by policemen headed by Ylanan and Parilla last April 24.

Sulapas said about 10 p.m. that day they were driving Guardo’s Hyundai Starex van along V. Rama Avenue when suddenly a Strada pick-up truck boarded by six armed men in civilian attire blocked their way and forced them to stop.

"I recognized the two persons as Ylanan and Parilla. I can identify their other companions who were in civilian clothes if a police lineup is made," Sulapas said.

He said the armed men quickly aimed their guns at them and ordered them to disembark, then subjected them to a body search.

Ylanan later explained they were responding to a tip from an informant who said that armed men were onboard a Starex van with plate numbers GTM-802.

No guns were found in the vehicle, only campaign materials of Guardo and other opposition candidates in the city’s south district.

"It was wanton display of highhandedness and arrogance by these police officers. The force employed at us were in excess and unnecessary knowing fully well that we were unarmed with raised hands," said Sulapas.

Aside from the filing of a complaint before the Comelec, Guardo’s political camp also formally asked police regional director Silverio Alarcio to transfer the two police officials outside Cebu City, if possible to Mindanao.

But police officials in Cebu City headed by city police director Patrocinio Comendador supported Ylanan and Parilla saying the two were just doing their job.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama also said it is possible the "drama" was just orchestrated by Guardo’s camp to attract media mileage and boost the candidacy of the opposition candidates.

Guardo has denied this saying he will not risk his men for an election gimmick. — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP