Cops face suspension for staging prayer rally

Fifty Manila policemen face a possible 15-day suspension for staging over the weekend a prayer rally seeking the recall of more than 400 of their colleagues ordered transferred to the provinces by Metro Manila police chief Director Edgar Aglipay for committing alleged minor infractions.

Aglipay acknowledged that "everybody has the right to communicate with God," but emphasized that the Manila policemen’s activities were not sanctioned by their superiors and held during office hours. However, Aglipay tossed the responsibility of investigating and meting out sanctions against his erring men to Chief Superintendent Nick Pasinos, the Manila police commander. "It’s now up to Chief Superintendent Pasinos," said Aglipay when pressed on what sanctions would be imposed on the rallying policemen. "I’ve given him the sole responsbility to discipline his men."

Aglipay did not give Pasinos any deadline.

The 50 policemen, belonging to the Manila’s Finest Brotherhood Association Inc. (MFBAI), lighted candles and walked out of their offices at 3 p.m. Friday asking Aglipay to reconsider his decision banishing more than 400 of their colleagues to the provinces. The MFBAI said some 160 of their comrades were affected.

"We prayed for the recall of the police officers, not only in Manila, but also in other districts who were transferred to provincial posts for minor infractions such as being absent from roll calls and for wearing incomplete uniforms," said SPO1 Antonio Emmanuel, MFBAI’s vice president.

Emmanuel said they also prayed that the National Police Commission (Napolcom) implements its Feb. 13 memorandum signed by Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rogelio Pureza calling the transfers illegal. But unknown to the MFBAI, Pureza nullified recently the said memorandum after Aglipay briefed him that the transfer order has the blessings of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Leandro Mendoza and the Metro Manila Mayors. Aglipay reiterated his decision not to take back the more than 400 transferred policemen.

Aglipay said he explained to MFBAI president, a certain SPO3 Li that he was only exercising his managerial prerogative when he recommended the transfer of the policemen to the Bicol region and other far-flung provinces. According to Aglipay’s spokesman Superintendent Julius Abanes, the rallying Manila policemen committed a "light offense" punishable by 15 days suspension.

Abanes said the imposition of administrative sanction now falls under the investigating authority, Chief Superintendent Pasinos.

Aglipay said that Pasinos’ probe should not mean they are getting back at the 50 rallying policemen but more on disciplining them.

"They can approach me and air their grievances anytime they like," said Aglipay pointing out that such actions would not contribute any good to the PNP’s image.