Biazon denies hand in police chief’s relief

Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino "Ruffy" Biazon denied yesterday that he is behind the recent relief of city police chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino.

Though Biazon agreed with Espino that the latter’s removal from office is politically-motivated, Biazon claimed that the police official could have succumbed to pressure exerted by his political rivals.

"As far as I am concerned, Col. Espino and I are in good terms. I am aware of the measures that he undertook which concerned me. We also talked about this issue concerning his relief and I even helped defend him," he explained.

In a letter to Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon dated March 7, Biazon requested for clarification on the basis of Espino’s relief.

He claimed that he is not aware of any serious issue against Espino that would warrant his relief. "As far as I know him and the feedback I receive from the people of Muntinlupa, he is a fair and professional police officer who performs his duty without fear or favor."

Biazon added that he had an earlier talk with Speaker Jose de Venecia, who was reportedly requesting Espino’s relief. De Venecia, in turn, spoke with Espino and denied making such a request.

He added that he has no power to influence authorities to order Espino’s removal as city police chief. "I don’t see any reason why he should (Espino) be kicked out from office," Biazon said.

"Carrying out his relief without providing a clear justification will only lead to demoralization in the ranks and decrease in confidence in the PNP leadership. In addition, such an order during this time will also lead to suspicion that the order is politically tainted and has something to do with the forthcoming elections," Biazon stated in his letter to Calderon.

Further, Biazon suspected that Espino "could have been ordered by his rivals to do things but failed and thought of the latter to be favoring me, and as a result, this is what happened to him."

He maintained it was impossible for him to work for Espino’s removal, saying he wasn’t on the side of the administration.

Espino’s relief became effective last Monday based on an order (General Order Number 07-16) issued by Southern Police District Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales. Police Superintendent Edgar Ferrater will temporarily take over Espino’s post. – Rhodina Villanueva