PADPAO brawl won't affect services

CEBU, Philippines - Security managers and operators in Metro Cebu assured the public that the ongoing controversy within their association will not affect their services to private and public offices, vowing to continue providing them good service.

Lawyer Leopoldo Blanco Jr., president of the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators (PADPAO-7) made the assurance in a talk with The FREEMAN during his visit to some of their members based in Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue cities.

Blanco told this paper that the result of the elections the other day showed that majority of  their members fully supported his leadership and all the members of the association.

The controversy over the PADPAO-7 leadership started when some members of the board announced their withdrawal to support Blanco's leadership.

Lawyer Edgar Gica, among others, questioned the leadership of Blanco for his alleged failure to liquidate funds involving million of pesos. They signed a manifesto withdrawing their support to Blanco due to loss of trust and confidence.

But Blanco said all the accusations made by the group of  Gica are baseless and without solid support. He felt there was a motive behind the group questioning his leadership.

Blanco said that their group has requested the Cebu Regional Trial Court to issue temporary restraining order after their central office made an announcement to dissolve PADPAO-7 office.

This, according to Blanco, was lacking due process and tantamount to "taking the law into their hands."

Blanco said during the elections, all members agreed to retain status quo of all officers of PADPAO-7, which in effect retaining him in his position as president, something he has occupied for 14 years.

The other officers are Bayani Reyes, external vice president; Celso Cabatos, vice president for based security agencies; Hiram Binatiro, vice president for non-based security agencies; Rodolfo Marcelo, vice president for finance; William Castillo, treasurer; Lydia Disierto, auditor; and Narcisa Ravina, secretary.

The board of directors is composed of Dax Mangubat, Jonifer Sarsalejo, Ernesto Dacay, Eduardo Catabas Jr., Cirilo Raotraot, Christian Leyros, Thadeu Bolodo Jr., Ruel Jugalbot, Noel Unay, Noel Tomonglay, William Batiancela, Angel Arranguez and Alejandro Cachero.  (FREEMAN)