Razon defends woman officer against charges

Western Police District director Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon Jr. has virtually defended the chief of the women contingent of Western Police District-Crowd Dispersal and Management (WPD-CDM) unit over the alleged controversy involving her subordinates.

It was earlier reported that certain members of the WPD-CDM ladies’ contingent have denounced their head, Chief Inspector Evangeline Candia.

According to the reported allegations, members of the WPD-CDM ladies’ contingent were ordered relieved by Candia after they allegedly failed to produce lechon (roasted pig) for her.

The lady DCM members also alleged that Candia, who also serves as concurrent head of the WPD-Inspectorate Division, has a habit of shouting at them at the slightest provocation and had also allegedly ordered the transfer of some of their colleagues from the CDM unit at whim.

The apparent "bad blood" between Candia and some of her subordinates allegedly resulted to a shouting match last Friday at the Rizal Hall of the WPD headquarters.

According to reports, the shouting match was only stopped after Senior Superintendent Marcelino Franco, whose second floor office is located adjacent to the hall, intervened.

In a letter to The STAR, Razon said that the shouting match did not occur. He added that the other allegations, including the alleged demands for roasted pigs, have no basis.

"There is no basis for the alleged consideration of roasted pig given to the chief lady CDM since she have performed her duties religiously and effectively without any consideration or complaints and accepted the responsibilities of performing two positions to the best of her abilities. The manpower, resources and time are all pro bono or free services and no single amount is given to the chief lady CDM for any contingency expenses that allowed meals and snacks given by the WPD," Razon said.

Razon added that it was true that Candia had ordered the relief of some members of the WPD-CDM ladies contingent. But the stressed that the relief orders were not issued by Candia on a whim.

"The relief of the CDM members was a result of their continuous absences and lackadaisical behavior and in consonance with the rules and regulations of the PNP. The imposition of disciplinary sanctions such as reprimand, admonition, forfeiture of salary and relief are within the bounds of law," he said.

"It is ironic that there are some group of policewomen who refused to allow simple instructions, abide with the PNP rules and regulations and follow the basic principle of discipline inspite of the PNP campaign against inept, undisciplined and corrupt members," he added. – Mike Frialde