Minglanilla cops probed for delay of convoy

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Police Director Erson Digal has ordered an investigation into the alleged failure of the Minglanilla police to help facilitate the passage of the convoy of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last Sunday.

The presidential convoy was heading to Argao town for the burial of the late Press Secretary Cerge Remonde.

However, the convoy reportedly got caught in traffic when it reached Minglanilla, which is four towns away from Argao.

Digal said it was Regional Police Director Lani-O Nerez, who was in the convoy, who personally informed him of the situation.

Supt. Eduardo Ylaya Saavedra, the one assigned to supervise security on the day of the burial, also told Digal that he only saw one policeman stationed along the convoy route in Minglanilla.

This reportedly prompted Saavedra to go to the Minglanilla police station and told five policemen to help man the convoy route.

“Bisa’g gi-ingnan na nga pa- manun na sa dan, wala man gihapon nilihok ang mga police sa Minglanilla,” Digal said.

Digal said he received information that Inspector Leoncio Baliguat Jr., the chief of the Minglanilla police, was not around at that time reportedly because his wife was about to give birth that day. But Digal said the reason is unacceptable.

“Dili justifiable iya reason nga nagbati iya asawa,” Digal said

Digal said he will request for the Commission on Elections to have Baliguat transferred to another police station while investigation is ongoing.

“Giklaro jud na sa conference last week nga i-clear jud ang road if moagi na si President Arroyo kay for security lang pud niya ba kay presidenti baya na siya,” Digal said.

“Serious neglect of duty jud na ang kaso ana niya kay presidente gud na,” he added. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)