Political row forces police chief to quit

CEBU, Philippines - The political clash between Danao City Mayor Ramon Durano Jr. and his brother, Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III was the reason why the Danao City Police Station chief voluntarily resigned.

Chief Insp. Alvin Balio was no longer the chief of the said station effective yesterday. He was replaced by Chief Insp. Ricky Delelis from the Provincial Public Safety Company of the Bohol Provincial Police Office.

Balio, who resides in Barangay Guinacot, Danao City, told The FREEMAN the conflict between the two siblings is not only affecting governance but the city’s police operations as well and it is better to exit early than be caught in that conflict.

“Taga-dinhi man gud ko unya lisod na pero matawag nga tungod sa pulitika akong pagbiya,” Balio said.

Balio, who assumed office last April, disclosed that the conflict affected the budget appropriated for their office, which was reduced.

Since July, the police station has had no Internet connection and cannot send spot reports through e-mail to the Cebu Provincial Police Office. It has to send messages to the headquarters via radio.

Balio added that their patrol car, which used to go on patrol around the city’s barangays 24 hours a day, is now on standby in Barangay Poblacion to save on gasoline.

“Amo na lang nang i-standby sa lugar where daghan ug tao unya ra namo gamiton in case dunay dagkong alarma,” Balio said.

He said that while he loves to serve his town he must also be able to secure himself.

“Bisan tuod og nagtrabaho basin butangan kag sala, mintras tanto maglikay lang ko,” Balio said.

Lawyer Gloria Lastimosa-Dalawampu, the legal counsel of the mayor, once said that the problem is not with the mayor but with the council. This is because they have been submitting resolutions but these were rejected by the council.

Dalawampu said they already appropriated an annual budget for both casual employees and for the police operations but these were either rejected or revised.

“It is the legislative ang wa’y support. Even the supplemental budget was rejected,” she said.

CPPO chief Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said he just granted what Balio wanted since it was his choice.

Comendador added that Balio will be temporarily assigned at the CPPO headquarters before evaluation.

Comendador added that despite the political chaos in Danao, the PNP has to function and do its best to maintain peace and order. —/BRP (FREEMAN)