CPPO: Argao cop's relief not a solution

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said instead of recommending the relief of a policeman, the two Argao barangay officials who accused SPO1 Jaime Mendoza of protecting drug operations in the town should file charges against him instead.

“A relief is not a punishment but it’s the decision of the PNP na kay we are a national agency and we have our own hierarchy,” he said.

He also said charges will be filed against Panadtaran barangay captain Bonifacia “Pasit” Villamora and her husband Ruben, a councilman, if proven they are running masiao operations.

As stated in Section 1(c) of PD 1602 the penalty of prision mayor in its medium period with temporary absolute disqualification or a fine of P6,000 shall be imposed if the maintainer, conductor or banker of said gambling schemes is a government official, or where such government official is the player, promoter, referee, umpire, judge or coach in case of game fixing, point shaving and machination.

Comendador also said Bonifacia’s nagging at policemen after the arrest of suspected masiao usher Edgardo Villamora, 48, a cousin of Ruben, can be considered obstruction of justice.

SPO1 Jaime Mendoza alleged that after their saturation drive last Saturday evening, Bonifacia went to the police station mad after Edgardo was arrested inside the Argao Public Market in Barangay Poblacion.

Recently, Ruben, chairman of the barangay committee on peace and order, passed a resolution to the Argao municipal council stating several allegations against Mendoza including his being a protector of illegal drug operations in the town and recommending his transfer outside the province.

A copy of the resolution was furnished to the CPPO.   - (THE FREEMAN)