Manila cops accuse Lacson of favoring PMA graduates

Non-commissioned officers of the Western Police District (WPD) voiced yesterday their disgust over the manner Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Panfilo Lacson disciplines erring policemen, saying "there is double-standard in the implementation of punishment."

SPO4 Wilson Tibor, president of the 3,000-strong Manila's Finest Brotherhood Association, Inc. (MFBAI), said "swift punishment is carried out if the offending officer is not a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) or is not a member of the Mason congregation."

Lacson, a graduate of PMA Class '71, has been perceived by some sectors as favoring his "mistahs" for positions in the PNP hierarchy.

Tibor claimed no PMAer, though indirectly involved in extortion activities of their men, has been transferred so far to other regions as a form of punishment.

He specifically mentioned PMAer Superintendent Jose Antonio Salvacion, deputy chief for administration of the WPD, who remains in his post even after one of his men, SPO1 Rolando Aranzamendez, was relieved for mulcting.

However, Chief Inspector Nelson Yabut, the former chief of the WPD's General Assignment Section who is not a PMA graduate, was transferred to Region 1 following the arrest of his man, PO3 Eufemio Castillo also for mulcting, according to Tibor.

"Is the punishment applicable only to non-PMAers?" asked Tibor. "We do not question the prerogative of (Lacson) in disciplining the police. But the manner in which they are implementing the guidelines is questionable. We have doubts of a double-standard," he added.

The MFBAI also wrote Interior Secretary Alfredo Lim of its sentiment. "It was observed that other officers who have committed offenses remain untouchable in their positions, thereby creating doubts as to the credibility of the implementing authority," the letter stated.