Police chief accused of soliciting for party

CEBU, Philippines -  A town police chief earlier charged with grave misconduct for allegedly releasing drug users a few months ago is again in the limelight for reportedly soliciting funds for their Christmas party tomorrow.

Inspector Manuel Singson Jr, chief of the Medellin Police Station, was accused of soliciting funds from the town mayor, vice mayor as well as from the barangay captain of Poblacion.

A source claimed that Singson left the police station early last Tuesday morning to solicit for their party but in an interview, Singson denied the allegations saying he was just bringing invitation cards to invite the said officials to attend their Christmas party.

“Naglagot ko anang estoryaha kay nag-solicit kuno ko nga in fact I was sending invitations, gipakapinan pa gyud nga nangayo kuno ko og bihag,” Singson said on a phone interview.

Singson added that he wanted to clarify to those who failed to differentiate solicitation from invitation that both words are different.

“I spent an amount sa pagpahimo ani but we cannot please everybody,” the police chief said.

Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, Cebu Provincial Police Office director, encouraged the complainant to appear before the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch and execute an affidavit.

Comendador told The FREEMAN that he saw the invitation but to erase any doubts, it will be the discretion of the complainant.

Director General Nicanor Bartolome, PNP chief, already reminded all members of the PNP that solicitation is illegal and the highest form of penalty will be imposed to those who will be reported doing such.

Recently, Singson and three of his personnel were earlier investigated after being accused of grave misconduct for allegedly releasing three drug users last month.

Insp. Julius Ompad, deputy of the PIDMB, claimed that he will be forwarding the case for summary hearing at the Police Regional Office-7.

PO3 Bonifacio Asingua, PO1 Louie Misa and PO1 Jose Inso were included after Ompad found out that there were inconsistencies in the report from the Medellin Police Station.

Singson reportedly released the drug suspects since there was no evidence recovered, but this was opposed by Ompad who pointed out that only the courts can order the release of a prisoner.

The highest sanction of the said grave offense will be dismissal from the service. — (FREEMAN)