Napolcom to probe presence of Mandaue cop in Ecleo's hearings

The National Police Commission is looking into possible violations committed by a Mandaue City policeman who was reportedly seen escorting Ruben Ecleo, Jr. during court hearings. Ecleo is the supreme master of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association who is charged with parricide for allegedly killing his wife.

Napolcom assistant regional director Homer Cabaral said that they will conduct an investigation into the complaint of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City chapter against Insp. Samuel Panilagao.

IBP Cebu City chapter president Alex Tolentino wrote a letter to Police Regional Office-7 chief Silverio Alarcio requesting for an investigation on Panilagao's presence in the hearings of the parricide case against Ecleo.

Tolentino said that they find Panilagao's presence unusual and beyond reason because he is assigned in Mandaue City. Lawyer Fritz Quiñanola, one of the private prosecutors, said that Panilagao may be moonlighting as Ecleo's escort, an act which is illegal.

"He has no reason to be there with a firearm," Quiñanola said in an interview over radio dyLA.

Cabaral said he will call Panilagao's attention and ask him to explain why he has been seen frequently attending Ecleo's hearings and even acting as his and lawyer Orlando Salatandre's security escort.

"Atong tan-awon og duna bay authority pagkuyog ni Ecleo," Cabaral said.

Cabaral admitted that it is irregular for Panilagao to be escorting Ecleo or Salatandre even if he has obtained an authority from the Mandaue City police director because there is a special police unit assigned to provide security escorts to those who need the service.

Nevertheless, Cabaral said they would ask him to explain because he might have other reasons that would justify his presence during Ecleo's hearings. According to Cabaral, if the reports were true that Panilagao is off duty during those times that he is seen attending the hearings it would be difficult for them to restrain his movement.

The Freeman learned that Panilagao is assigned as nightshift officer at the Mandaue City police station 1 in barangay Centro. - Fred P. Languido