Brother of RAM officer relieved from PNP post

Another police officer, a brother of one of the founding members of right-wing Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM), was sacked from his post and transferred to Mindanao on suspicion that he was instigating discord within the PNP organization.

The relief of Superintendent Danilo Maligalig as chief of the Traffic Management Group-National Capital Region (TMG-NCR), triggered once again, an uproar among PNP officers at Camp Crame.

A graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1984, Maligalig is the youngest brother of RAM spokesman, Navy Capt. Proceso Maligalig (PMA Class 69), and former Air Force officer Prudencio Maligalig (PMA Class 75).

Maligalig’s designation to head TMG’s regional office at the CARAGA region, was considered by fellow PNP officers as a demotion.

Likewise, the transfer was interpreted by Maligalig’s PMA cavaliers as a subtle way to place him under control and far away, on mere suspicion that he is among the police officers criticizing the present national and police leadership.

Senior Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, meanwhile, said he has no knowledge about the Maligalig transfer. But he added, that the transfer could be routine and internal within the TMG.

Chief Superintendent Renato Paredes, TMG Director, was unavailable for comment about Maligalig’s transfer. His secretary claimed he still was presiding over a command conference.

Aside from Maligalig, police intelligence officer, Superintendent Allen Bantolo, was also sacked from the PNP-Intelligence Group (PNP-IG) and assigned to CARAGA.

"As a good soldier, my brother will definitely report to his new assignment," the elder (Proceso) Maligalig said.

However, he clarified, as far as performance is concerned, his brother has been performing above par.

Last month, Senior Superintendent Jaime Caringal, a son-in-law of retired Army general Fortunato Abat, likewise, lost his assignment as chief of staff of the Southern Tagalog Regional Police Office, also on suspicion that he was plotting against the government.

Caringal who was designated head of the Ifugao provincial police office at the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) is on an official leave. – Jaime Laude