More cops face charges in 2012

CEBU, Philippines - The number of policemen facing administrative charges in Central Visayas has increased last year compared in 2011.

The records at the Discipline Law and Order Section (DILOS) of the Police Regional Office-7 show that there were 70 cases filed in 2012.

The number is slightly higher compared to the 66 cases in 2011.

The records also show that out of the total 70 cases, 59 have already been resolved while 11 are still pending for resolution.

DILOS chief Sr. Insp. Rubin Cuizon said that of 59 cases that were already resolved, 27 of the respondents have been meted out the penalty of suspension, 26 were exonerated, 22 have been dismissed from the service, one was punished with forfeiture of pay and another one had been reprimanded.

Cuizon said the pending cases will be resolved early this year.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) has the most number of personnel facing charges. Based on the records, there are 22 CPPO personnel charged before DILOS. The number however has dropped from 31 in 2011.

Next on the list is the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) with 19 cases, Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) with eight cases, Siquijor Provincial Police Office and Regional Headquarters both with six cases each, Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) with five cases, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) have three cases, and the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) with only one case.

CPPO director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador explained that this does not mean that his personnel are less behaved compared to those in other police offices in the region.

According to him, this is the product of his very active Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB).

Comendador said that the PIDMB is very dynamic and active in initiating investigation against erring policeman.

"It is part of development which means that efficient muhatag og disciplinary action ug investigation mechanism ang CPPO," Comendador said.

He justified that in terms of ratio and proportion, CPPO has the biggest area of responsibility and has most number of personnel.

"Practically kugihan mi, mas lain hinuon paminawon og wala gyud mi na-file unya naa diay problema nga bati and it shows nga naglihok pud ang makinarya sa PRO-7," Comendador said in a phone interview.

Cuizon said he is expecting the number of cases to lower this year because of the program of the PNP against erring policemen.

"Expected nga mo-lower this year tungod sa mga programs sa PNP pero at least aware sila nga giti-nuod sila og investigate and charged," Cuizon said. —/FPL (FREEMAN)