NCRPO sacks MPD's intelligence chief

MANILA, Philippines – Barely a month in office, the chief of the intelligence division of the Manila Police District (MPD) was sacked yesterday because he was not qualified for the position.

Metro police director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said Superintendent Ernesto Fojas, MPD intelligence officer-in-charge (OIC) has neither background nor training in intelligence, a requirement for someone to head the District Intelligence Division (DID).

“These two criteria are crucial in the effective and efficient discharge of function of the DID,” Rosales said.

Aside from going after criminals, the NCRPO director noted that the MPD’s DID plays an important role in undertaking counter-intelligence operations to protect Malacañang against destabilization, as well as the police organization from infiltration and sabotage.

For his part, Director Eugene Martin, head of the directorate for intelligence (DI) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said an intelligence officer of a district or regional command must be in the intelligence eligibility list.

“He must have the proper training and experience and cleared to handle confidential documents,” said Martin, noting that the applicant must pass the rigid screening of his office.

Rosales said Fojas does not have a good network in the intelligence community, and a stroke left the right half of his body paralyzed.

But instead of availing himself of the PNP’s compulsory disability discharge (CDD), Fojas continued reporting for duty at the MPD and was designated early this month by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim as the city police intelligence chief.

Rosales directed MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay to coordinate with Lim in designating Fojas’ replacement.

“Gen. Magtibay can designate any police officer as long as it is with the concurrence of Mayor Lim,” said Rosales.

Fojas said that as of yesterday afternoon, he has yet to receive his “walking papers.” He expressed surprise, saying journalists were the first to find out he had been relieved from his post.

He belied claims he had no training in intelligence, stressing that all his previous trainings were intelligence related. He also said his long years in police service was enough to build an intelligence network in Manila.

As for his physical disability, Fojas said “he will not be engaged in gunfights or fisticuffs. An intelligence chief simply issues orders, so my physical disability is not a hindrance.”

However, Fojas said he is willing to step down and wait “for any position Mayor Lim wants me to hold.” – Non Alquitran, Nestor Etolle