Binay camp hits ‘reward’ for cop in Makati standoff

MANILA, Philippines - The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday slammed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for “rewarding” with a promotion a police official who figured in a standoff during the suspension of Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay last June.

Rico Quicho, Binay’s spokesman for political affairs, said the appointment of Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias as officer-in-charge of the Eastern Police District (EPD) “is no longer surprising.”

“This is a clear reward for being the enforcer of Mayor Junjun Binay’s suspension and for blatantly violating the rights of Makati citizens to favor the wishes of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas,” Quicho said in a statement.

He said Jamias’ promotion shows that those who please and follow Roxas, the presidential bet of the administration Liberal Party, gets an immediate reward even at the expense of a competent and effective alternative.

“Enforcing the ‘rule of Mar’ despite violation of the rights of the people to assemble and air their support for the Binays certainly has its perks,” Quicho said.

Jamias accused the Vice President of berating him and poking his nameplate during a standoff outside the Makati City Hall when the DILG served Mayor Binay’s second suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman on June 29.

Jamias, then the deputy director for administration of the Southern Police District, led the police task force that barricaded the city hall to prevent Binay’s supporters from entering the area.

The Vice President removed the barricades himself and told Jamias that what they were doing was illegal.

Jamias claimed Binay assaulted him and his men during the standoff.

No reward

Jamias denied that his appointment as EPD chief was a reward for his role in the suspension of Mayor Binay.

He said he was qualified for the post based on his service record and accomplishments in the police force.

Jamias assumed command of the EPD yesterday during simple rites at the EPD headquarters along Caruncho Avenue in Pasig City.

The EPD has jurisdiction over the cities of Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan and Marikina.