300 promotions recalled by PNP

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. recalled yesterday the promotion of 300 policemen who were among those cited for their alleged role in the defense of Malacañang Palace during the bloody May 1 siege by followers of deposed President Joseph Estrada.

Ebdane issued the order following reports that names of a number of police officers who did not take part in the "defense of Malacanang" were inserted in the list of PNP personnel to be rewarded with promotions.

Ebdane said bulk of promotions, which were supposed to take affect last May 30, have been recalled and are now subject of an investigation.

He did not say whether Director Virtus Gil, chief of the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM), and other ranking officers will be investigated for the alleged insertions.

The controversial promotions were contained in orders dated May 30, 2002 made through the "command of the officer-in-charge Ebdane," and was noted by PNP Chief of Directorial Staff, Deputy Director General Rex Piad and submitted by Gil.

Some police officers said the "insertions" could be part of an alleged "midnight promotion" scheme as it was approved a week before Ebdane was sworn in as PNP chief.

It also happened at the time when immediate past PNP chief Deputy Director General Leandro Mendoza was waiting for his appointment as secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Police officers who claimed that they "really participated" in the May 1 defense of Malacañang appealed to Ebdane to see to it that they will not be discriminated upon.

"We do not want to disregard the chain of command by voicing our concerns. We merely want our voices to be heard. Why are there some officers who who were meritoriously promoted when they have not done anything?," asked a police officer who belongs to the batch of 172 junior grade officers from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group seeking promotions.

Out of the 172 police officers due for promotion and 32 others due to receive Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa, only two case were approved. These are the promotion to next rank of Chief Inspector Edgardo Divina and Senior Inspector Palaruan.

Being questioned were the promotions of Senior Inspector Alexander Mariano, Gliceria Sales, Porfirio Calagan, Romuelda Empleo, Susan Jall and Sheila Portentio, most of whom were assigned at DPRM and members of PNP Academy 1996 batch.

Also being questioned were promotions to chief inspector rank of Rogelio Simon, Lito Palaruan, Ramon Pranada, Edwin Quilates and Maristelo Manalo.

Ebdane directed PNP deputy chief for administration Director Clyde Fernandez to review the list of promotions. "I designated Gen. Fernandez to remove all the names of those who are not supposed to be included and come up with the proper listing based on actual participation," he said.