7 governors, 132 mayors lose control over cops

MANILA, Philippines -  The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has ordered the withdrawal of the deputation of seven governors and 132 mayors in Mindanao.

The governors are Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao; Mamintal Adiong Jr., Lanao del Sur; Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte; Datu Pax Pakung Mangudadatu, Sultan Kudarat; Abdusakar Tan II, Sulu; Hadjiman Salliman, Basilan, and Nurbert Sahali, Tawi-Tawi.

Of the mayors, 28 are in Maguindanao, 37 in Lanao del Sur, 22 in Lanao del Norte, 12 in Sultan Kudarat, 13 in Sulu, 10 in Basilan and nine in Tawi-Tawi.

In a resolution dated June 8, the Napolcom approved the withdrawal of the deputation of the local executives on various grounds, including “engaging in acts inimical to national security or which negate the effectiveness of the peace and order campaign of the government.”

“There were also reports that local chief executives in Mindanao are involved in the illegal drug trade which is tantamount to providing support in one way or another to the Maute terrorist group,” the resolution stated.

Frequent unauthorized absences and abuse of authority are also grounds for the suspension of the supervisory powers of local government executives over the police, Napolcom said.