CPPO treatment of judge serving writ condemned

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Board Member Victor Maambong has condemned the Cebu Provincial Police Office for “barricading and impeding the service of legal processes” when it blocked Regional Trial Court Judge Geraldine Faith Econg from personally serving the writ of amparo to an alleged rebel leader.

Maambong described as “revolting and a shocking assault to democracy” the move of the CPPO, under the leadership of Senior Supt. Carmelo Valmoria, on preventing Econg from serving the writ of amparo to Ramon Patriarca.

“To put up a ring of barricade including a fire truck and a phalanx of policemen as a security measure against the very embodiment of the majesty of the law in the person of (RTC Judge Geraldine) Econg who was merely carrying out a judicial process is a revolting and a shocking assault against democracy and the principles of republicanism,” Maambong said.

But PB member Wilfredo Caminero thinks otherwise.

“I think we need to hear both sides before coming up (with a resolution) in order to prevent unnecessary damage,” Caminero, who chairs the committee on public safety in the PB, said.

A dialogue between members of the PB and Valmoria would be necessary to thresh out concerns, Caminero added.

Elements of the 78th Infantry Battalion and the CPPO units arrested Patriarca in barangay Casili, Consolacion town last February 5.

Valmoria denied blocking Econg and clarified the fire truck was on its way out of the CPPO when Econg’s vehicle was about to get in.

Valmoria said they have been on full alert since January 30 and that he also ordered the CPPO Headquarters closed to all non-organic personnel after receiving reports that rebels would try to rescue Patriarca.

Saying Valmoria should not be blamed for the acts of his men “since he has not been known like that”, Maambong however reminded the CPPO chief to exercise his command responsibility.

“We have to rely on the issue of command responsibility. It was not his (Valmoria) act (but) the acts of his men still reflect of him,” Maambong said, adding that “our job is to remind him. So with this resolution, we’re doing our job.”

“It is hoped (by this representation) that similar act of such nature as was demonstrated by our provincial police officers, who are generally well meaning and observant of the rule of law, may not repeat what they have done to a respected member of the local judiciary,” part of Maambong’s resolution read. — Garry B. Lao/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)