M'lanilla police chief relieved for traffic jam during president's visit

CEBU, Philippines - The chief of Minglanilla Police Station was relieved from his post and momentarily detailed at the Cebu Provincial Police Office while waiting for his reassignment to other police stations.

Chief Insp. Leoncio Baliguat is placed under investigation over his alleged failure to supervise his men to man the traffic when President Gloria Arroyo passed by the municipality to attend the burial of the late Press Secretary Cerge Remonde in Argao last January 24.

CPPO director Erson Digal said he is still waiting for the approval from Commission of Elections (Comelec) of Baliguat’s transfer. Under the Comelec rules, the reassignment or appointment of government personnel is prohibited during the election period which runs from January 10 to June 9, 2010. 

Digal said a summary hearing procedure was recommended for Baliguat for serious neglect of duty for grave misconduct. For his part, Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez, director of the Police Regional Office-7, assured that Baliguat will be given due process.

Baliguat is not the only one to be investigated but also the other on duty police personnel when the convoy of President Arroyo passed their area, Nerez said.

Reports had it that Baliguat was not around to supervise the traffic when Arroyo and her party were delayed due to the traffic congestion. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)