Gayotin orders relief of Pardo desk officer

The case of the Pardo Police station's reported failure to help a resident who fell victim to a pickpocket last June 3 has taken a fresh development with the relief of the station's desk officer on duty at that time.

City Police director, Supt. Melvin Gayotin, yesterday confirmed that he ordered the relief of SPO4 Jaime Repompo, Pardo station's desk officer on duty when the female victim came to report on the pickpocket.

Gayotin said Repompo would be temporarily detailed at the Security Service Group while waiting for the results of the investigation of the case and of other Pardo policemen.

Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Branch chief, Supt. Pablo Labra II, has led the investigation and would soon be sending the results and his recommendation to Gayotin's office.

Repompo earlier reasoned out that he was alone at the station when the woman arrived to ask for help to catch a pickpocket that stole her wallet, containing money and personal items, inside a passenger jeepney.

Unknown to the policemen, the victim reported online the inaction of the Pardo station to Malacañang. The Office of the President in turn referred the matter to the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame.

Camp Crame officials then directed the Police Regional Office-7 to order the Cebu City Police to investigate the matter and determine who among the Pardo policemen would be liable for the omission. - Jose P. Sollano