PNP official suspended for hurting port guard

CEBU, Philippines - A high-ranking police official is now serving a one-month suspension ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas, which found probable cause in the administrative charges filed against him by a port security guard in 2011.

Chief Supt. Danilo Constantino, Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 director, confirmed that Deputy Regional Director for Operation Orlando Ualat was told not to report for work effective September 1.

Constantino said the suspension order was first received by Camp Crame, which instructed him on September 2 to implement it right away.

He said Ualat did not apply for a temporary restraining order or even asked for any assistance from the PRO-7.

"Sa pagkakaalam ko parang nag-apply ng (What I know is a) motion for reconsideration (was filed by the) si DRDO," he said.

Senior Supt. Eduard Carranza, PRO-7 chief of staff, temporarily assumes as DRDO.

"Vacate lang 'yung position kasi he is not relieved… suspended lang (only)," Constantino said.

Ualat was accused of hitting Ferlito Ompad of the GDS Security Agency at the Cebu City port terminal on October 24, 2011.

Ualat reportedly punched Ompad again at the Firearms, Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervision (FESAGS) office before Police Supt. Rex Derilo, the following day.

The incident happened after Ompad asked if Ualat had a ticket when the police official entered the terminal with his wife and his in-laws.

Ualat allegedly introduced himself as a police officer and expected to be allowed in.

Still, Ompad advised Ualat to buy a ticket. Ualat took heed but reportedly shoved the ticket into Ompad's mouth when he got back.

Ualat even confiscated Ompad's firearm license and told the guard to claim it at the FESAGS office, where Ualat allegedly punched him again.

Ualat denied hurting Ompad, whom he said was arrogant, discourteous, impolite and impatient when he talked to him.

With the help of GDS Security Agency detachment commander Riel Culango owner Benjamin Sun, Ompad filed administrative complaints against Ualat before the National Police Commission. —/RHM (FREEMAN)