Cop who defied Binay gets first star

MANILA, Philippines - A police official who figured in a standoff with Vice President Jejomar Binay in June was promoted to the rank of chief superintendent, equivalent to a one-star general in the military, in a ceremony at Camp Crame yesterday.

Elmer Jamias’ promotion came two months after he was named director of the Eastern Police District.

In late June, Jamias led a group of policemen who secured the vicinity of the Makati city hall, where Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., the Vice President’s son, was holed up after the Office of the Ombudsman issued an order suspending him in connection with anomalies involving the construction of a building at the city hall compound.

In the process, the elder Binay berated Jamias and his policemen and accused them of blocking their supporters, who were then marching towards the city hall.

Jamias stood his ground and later filed complaints against the Vice President for reportedly disrespecting men in uniform, who were performing their mandated tasks.

Jamias’ boss, National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Joel Pagdilao, was also promoted to director, which is equivalent to a two-star general in the military, yesterday.

Pagdilao received his first star two months ago after he was appointed NCRPO director.

Another official, Deputy Director General Francisco Uyami, got his third star. He is the fourth highest official in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Pagdilao and Uyami are graduates of the Philippine Military Academy. Jamias is a member of the PNP Academy Class of 1986.