DILG might take away Soc's control of police

CEBU, Philippines - Aside from the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 is also conducting an inquiry into the report that Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez intervened in the police operations when his adopted son was arrested for grave threats three weeks ago.

DILG-7 legal officer Danilo Almendras said it might be possible that they will recommend the suspension of the mayor’s deputation with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) if they gather enough proof that Fernandez has abused his supervisory power over the policemen in his city.

Almendras said he had read in newspaper reports that although the Isuzu Bighorn vehicle that was driven by Joavan Fernandez has been placed under police custody and was guarded by two policemen, the mayor still insisted to open the vehicle and took out a bag from inside.

The Isuzu Bighorn is the government-issued vehicle to the mayor, but it was used by his adopted, son who was accused by Vincent Joe Castrodes of poking a gun at him during an altercation over a traffic-related matter.

When the reporters informed Almendras that the two policemen had already executed affidavits that they had informed the mayor that the vehicle was not to be touched as it was under police custody, but Fernandez insisted on opening it.

The DILG legal officer said “Aw kon mao kana mahimong morecommend kami nga i-suspend and iyang deputation.”

However, even if Fernandez had successfully taken out a bag from inside the vehicle, but the police still recovered a .45 caliber pistol from the rear portion of the SUV.

Governors and mayors, after being elected and having qualified as such, are automatically deputized as representatives of the National Police Commission in their respective territorial jurisdictions.

As deputized agents of the Napolcom, the local government executives can inspect police forces and units, conduct audit, and exercise other functions.

But the Napolcom, at anytime after consultation with the provincial governor or congressman concerned, may suspend or withdraw the deputation of any local government executives if they commit frequent unauthorized absences, abuse of authority, providing support to criminal elements and engaging acts inimical to national security or which negate the effectiveness of the peace and order campaign.

If the DILG officials would make true in recommending the suspension of Fernandez’ deputation with the Napolcom, the Napolcom regional director will immediately evaluate the complaint whether the alleged violations fall under the provided grounds.

The Napolcom would then gather more evidences and if evidence warrant, the regional director will quickly consult the governor and congressman before submitting a report to the Napolcom en banc for further action.(FREEMAN NEWS)