Cops warned vs illegal use of mobile cars

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has warned its police precincts commanders not to use the newly-donated mobile cars for personal use or else they will face charges.

Senior Superintendent Joel Doria, CCPO director, said the mobile cars must only be used in police duties, including responding to alarms, patrolling, and ferrying suspects for court proceedings.

“Ang directive natin diyan (mobile cars) dapat nasa labas palagi and it should not be used by the station commander for personal, meaning gagamitin niyang service,” he said.

The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas earlier said government workers and officials who have utilized their vehicles for personal use and have no duly issued trip tickets will be held liable under pertinent laws, circulars and executive issuances.

The erring public servants and those without trip tickets will be charged for violating Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code or malversation of public funds or property before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Aside from the criminal complaint, those who will be apprehended will be also charged for violation of RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Moreover, Doria said the driver on duty is responsible for the vehicle’s maintenance.

“The driver will be held accountable. If may problema or negligence, mananagot ang driver,” he said, adding that police officers undergone a two-day seminar on proper handling and driving of the mobile cars.

The Japanese government recently turned over 20 patrol cars to Cebu police. President Rodrigo Duterte personally witnessed the turnover and blessing of the vehicles last Monday. Each patrol car costs P1.2 million.

Of the 20 units, 10 were given to the Cebu City Police Office, and five each for the Mandaue City Police Office and Lapu-Lapu Police Office.

For transparency and to dispel suspicions during police operations, Doria said, dash cameras have been installed in each unit. The cameras were donated by the Regional Advisory Council.

“Kasama yan sa anti-criminality campaign na dapat lahat ng mobile cars may dash camera. Kung mapapansin niyo ang dash camera gamit yan, pag-accost ng suspect, kung lalaban at may violation, which is napakaganda. Hopefully sana lahat ng mobile natin magkaganun,” Doria said. (FREEMAN)