Pampanga newsmen accept apology of Angeles cop chief

ANGELES CITY — The Pampanga Press Club (PPC) accepted yesterday the apology of this city’s police chief and recalled its call for his ouster, but vowed to be more vigilant against the resurgence of video karera and other forms of illegal gambling here.

PPC president Ashley Manabat handed over to Chief Superintendent Alejandro Lapinid, Central Luzon police director, a letter stating, "The PPC has taken note of the series of apologies made by Senior Superintendent Policarpio Segubre, chief of the Angeles City police, in regard to the PPC resolution issued last Oct. 11 which, among other provisions, demanded his ouster from his post for his shortcomings to the media and in the performance of his task."

In its resolution, the PPC declared Segubre persona non grata as it bewailed the rising criminality and illegal gambling in the city.

The PPC also criticized Segubre for what it claimed was his "arrogance" toward the local media folk, especially those writing about illegal activities.

Segubre went on "mandatory leave" last Monday after Lapinid created a task force to investigate the PPC’s allegations against him.

The task force was dissolved yesterday after Manabat informed Lapinid of the PPC’s withdrawal of its demand for Segubre’s ouster.

Despite its acceptance of Segubre’s apology, the PPC, however, vowed to "ever be more vigilant against the resurgence of video karera and other forms of illegal gambling" in Angeles City, saying, "There will never be any compromise on this."

Reports earlier tagged local policemen as allegedly involved in video karera, prompting the regional police to raid a warehouse of a suspected illegal gambling operator here. The raid yielded 56 video karera machines.

"Apart from his personal apologies extended to PPC members, Segubre has also manifested his apparently sincere intent to improve police efficiency, as indicated by the significantly improved traffic and noticeable police visibility in densely populated sections of the prime city since the issuance of the PPC resolution," the PPC said.

The group urged Segubre to "persist in his task to improve traffic management and maintain police visibility in crucial areas, especially during these times when terrorist threats (have) become a closer reality."

The PPC also urged him "to crack down on pornographic video cassettes being sold openly and abundantly on sidewalks in downtown Angeles," saying they pose "a serious problem that has further blighted the city’s lamentable reputation as Sin City."

Upon receiving the PPC’s letter, Lapinid told Segubre to report to work immediately.

Segubre went to his hometown in Iloilo City to spend his "mandatory leave," Lapinid said.