Taguig mayor sacks 'abusive' security chief

MANILA, Philippines - Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano ordered yesterday the relief of the head of her security group for allegedly abusing his authority.

Team Cayetano spokesman Bernabe Icay said the mayor immediately responded to a complaint that her security chief – a police major – reportedly discharged his firearm in a bar at around 1:45 a.m. Saturday.

Icay said Cayetano also told Taguig police chief Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan to conduct a thorough investigation of the complaint against the police major, whose name was withheld.

“Mayor Lani ordered Senior Superintendent Cascolan to be fair but firm in the investigation. She is encouraging witnesses to come forward and assured them that no one is above the law and that a fair investigation will be immediately conducted,” Icay said.       

He said Cayetano has also ordered an investigation into allegations that another police officer has been extorting money from business establishments in the city.         

“Her office will not hesitate to file the necessary cases once this report is proven true. She will not tolerate this culture of corruption, obviously cultivated and has become SOP (standard operational procedure) or kalakaran long before she became mayor,” Icay said.

He added that Cayetano ran on a platform of good governance and an all-out war against corruption, illegal drugs, and abusive police officers and local government employees.

 “The culture of kotong (extortion) among erring policemen and local officials will not work with Mayor Lani. Those who are responsible will be punished,” Icay said.

He said Cayetano also asked jeepney and tricycle drivers, vendors and business establishment owners not to pay fees that are not mandated by any ordinance or legal written authorization and if there are no official receipts.

Cayetano asked the Taguig residents and business owners to report those who are claiming to be authorized to collect illegal fees or protection money.

She will launch today a hotline by which Taguig residents and businessmen can anonymously complain about the people engaged in extortion or the abusive behavior of the police, city hall employees or national government officials assigned in Taguig City.

“Most (police) officials and personnel risk their lives everyday to protect and serve the people. I want those responsible for this be punished soonest to build the people’s faith and support in the (police) and in my leadership,” Cayetano said.