Cop who "slapped" reporter transferred

CEBU, Philippines - Senior Insp. Vicente Velasquez, the policeman accused of slapping a reporter, is out as chief of the Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office.

Replacing Velasquez is Sr. Insp. Zaldy Gokotano from the Parian Police Station. Velasquez has been reassigned with the Public Safety Management Council.

Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, director of CCPO, said the reassignment took effect last Friday but the formal turnover was done yesterday.

Comendador said it was Velasquez’ request to be transferred out of the Homicide Section to normalize the situation in the unit, considering his personality as a police officer was criticized when he reportedly slapped reporter Lesley Caminade.

Caminade claimed Velasquez slapped her last August 9 while she was asking the police official to let her go with him, thinking Velasquez was responding to an alarm.

That time, Velasquez was hurrying to aid his mother whose house was being threatened by a fire in T. Padilla. He admitted he was angry at the time but also denied slapping Caminade.

Comendador said it will be PSMC head Supt. Eliseo Castronuevo’s decision what position Velasquez may assume in the unit.

The CCPO director claimed he has no problem regarding Velasquez’ handling of the Homicide Section, it was only due to this “unfortunate incident” that this has to happen.

“Ako siya gitagaan ug one day, ingon ko hunahunaa sa ug maayo because di sad ko gusto na ma-low morale siya ba, na wala nako siya suportahi. Ako siya giingnan na wala man ko’y problema sa imong trabaho, ming-request man siya na magpa-reassign lang siya to stabilize things,” Comendador said

Comendador chose Gokotano as he believes in his capability. Replacing him at Parian Police Station or Police Station 1 is Chief Insp. Alexis Relado.

“Di pa g’yud siya attune kaayo sa investigation, but I think he’ll be able to do it. Nakita man sad nako na seryoso siya sa iyang trabaho,” Comendador said, adding it was also a consensus of the staff that Gokotano leads Homicide Section.

It can be recalled that Mayor Mike Rama wanted Velasquez relieved from the Homicide Section because of what he did to Caminade, considering he is a police official who is supposed to serve and protect the public.

Caminade, on the other hand, was shocked upon knowing Velasquez’ reassignment, since what she wanted is for the police official to remain in his post because she has already forgiven Velasquez who earlier asked for apology from her.

Caminade learned of the news from Velasquez himself yesterday when they met at the lobby of the CCPO.

“Giduol ko niya ‘nya iya ko gilamano while saying, ‘No hard feelings day, ha’. Ingon siya wala na daw siya sa Homicide. Na-shock g’yud ko. Ako na lang siya giingnan na pagbuot siguro g’yud tali ni sa Ginoo, mao sad iyang giingon,” Caminade said.

When asked if she had any regrets about the latest developments, Caminade said, “Why should I, di ba? In the first place, ako ma’y na-biktima ato, though para sa ubang tawo si Sir Inting (Velasquez) ang biktima. Kaming duha ang biktima ani.” (FREEMAN)