Camarines Norte police chief sacked for alleged extortion

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has ordered the relief of the Camarines Norte police director and two of his men for alleged extortion on small-scale miners and for his failure to stop illegal mining activities in the province.

Ordered relieved were Camarines Norte police director Senior Superintendent Joselito Esquivel Jr., his intelligence chief, Superintendent Lito Andaya, and operations chief, Superintendent Godofredo Tul-o.

Reports reaching Camp Crame said groups of people barricaded the entrance of the provincial police headquarters at Camp Wenceslao Vinzons in Daet, Camarines Norte yesterday in an expression of support to Esquivel.

Chief Superintendent Victor Deano, regional director for administration, however, enforced Robredo’s directive and installed Senior Superintendent Jose Capinpin as officer-in-charge of the Camarines Norte police.

In a memorandum sent to Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome dated June 5, Robredo ordered the relief of the three police officials pending further investigation into complaints against them by groups of small-scale miners in Camarines Norte.

Based on records, the Paracale Consumers Cooperative wrote a letter to Bartolome last May 17 reporting the alleged extortion.

A week later, or on June 2, Michael Dolera, a broadcaster of dzAU, sent a letter to Robredo, providing information and details on the alleged extortion and other illegal activities.

Last June 6, Edgar Varce, president of a small mining cooperative, filed a formal complaint supported by video footage on the alleged extortion by the police officials.

Robredo said Esquivel is being investigated “for allowing the sale of explosives to small-scale miners” and for allegedly failing to enforce the cease-and-desist order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources against illegal mining.

Robredo added that illegal mining is rampant in Camarines Norte, as complained by different groups in the province. – With Francis Elevado