PDEA official suspended

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by PDEA-7 deputy regional director Esperideon Javier asking the office to set aside its earlier decision finding him guilty for Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

In its four-page decision, PDEA’s Internal Affairs Service denied Javier’s motion for lack of merit on the case filed by a media practioner, Guam Longroño, who complained that Javier threatened him.

 The decision was signed by Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac, PDEA Director General.

“Wherefore, the motion for reconsideration is denied for utter lack of merit,” the dispositive portion of the decision reads.

Javier, through his motion, questioned IAS’ earlier decision finding him guilty and argued that he should only be liable for simple misconduct “since the offense is charged directly related to and committed in the performance of his official duties as deputy regional director.”

The IAS’ decision stated that Javier’s motion “failed to identify the findings and conclusions of the decision that are not supported by evidence or are contrary to law.”

Further, Javier “also failed to make any express reference to testimonial or documentary evidence or provisions to support his arguments.”

Javier said that the earlier decision made by IAS relied mainly on Logroño’s interpretation of what he said during the interview.

Logroño accused that Javier challenged him to a gun duel during an interview. Logroño said that he was just asking Javier to comment on the operation conducted by his men who allegedly barged into a wrong house in Barangay Pahina Central, Cebu City without a search warrant.

A day after Logroño and police reporters went to Javier’s office, Javier reportedly tucked a gun on his waist and, in a loud voice, asked who Logroño was.

IAS said that Javier’s “outfit” aggravated the situation.

IAS through its decision said that Logroño was able to prove that Javier threatened him and had produced witnesses that were present during the visit to Javier’s office.

“Thus, it was not only the complainant who felt that the respondent was threatening him, but also the witnesses who were present during the visit of the members of the media to the office of the respondent,” the decision reads.

IAS slapped Javier with six months and one day suspension without pay.

Logroño said the IAS’ decision is an early Christmas gift for him.

He added that he was waiting for the decision for almost a year and now justice has been served.

He pointed out that he has forgiven Javier of his actions but said that the incident should send a message to government officials to treat the media fairly because their job is only to provide information to the people.

The FREEMAN tried to get the side of Javier but he was not available for comment as of press time.    (FREEMAN)