MAYOR Eric C. Codilla denies he is behind the suspension of five Ormoc policemen including PO2 Francisco “Jongjong” Oliva, the close-in security aide of Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez. The mayor was sought for his reaction following the allegation made by the congresswoman’s camp that politics is behind the cops’ suspension.
The observation is shared by another sacked officer, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Northern Leyte Deputy Chief Insp. Bernard Lao who particularly cited the office given by Rep. Gomez to the CIDG. He said Mayor Codilla might have been offended by the congresswoman’s gesture. He explained he was compelled to receive the offer after being ordered by the mayor to vacate their previous office at the government center.
But Mayor Codilla denies the accusation, saying he wasn’t even aware of the office given by Rep. Gomez to CIDG. He also doesn’t believe the country’s highest police official, Philippine National Police Chief Dir. Gen. Nicanor Bartolome could be persuaded by hearsay coming from parties with vested political interests.
Mayor Codilla confirmed giving a notice to CIDG to vacate their old office being the site where a new building of the Manpower Training and Research Center is now being built. The mayor is offended that instead of thanking him for allowing them the use of their old office the CIDG is now being accused of politicking. “They didn’t even had the courtesy of informing me about their moving out,” he said.
But politics is just one of the probable causes cited by Insp. Lao for their suspension. He also suspects drug lords as behind the campaign to destroy their reputation and credibility following their successful operations in Ormoc and Baybay Cities as well as in neighboring Kananga and Albuera towns.
They were able to arrest some big fish in these successful busts, Insp. Lao said. “Paano masusugpo ang droga kung ang nagtatrabaho, yun po ang pino-prosecute?” he laments. Nevertheless, he is willing to face any investigation, saying he has nothing to hide.
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 2-8, 2012)
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