As per his request: Cop chief relieved over "harassment"

MANILA, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Police Office has granted the request of Talisay City Police Station chief Supt. Henry Biñas to be relieved from his post following allegations that he sexually harassed a female reporter of Cebu Daily News.

Biñas said he made the request to CCPO director Senior Supt. Erson Digal last Wednesday, Feb. 16, and the order to its effect was released last Friday.

He admitted that the allegation has greatly affected him and his dedication to his work.

Because of his love for Talisay City, Biñas said that he would rather be relieved from his post than to continue serving with the accusation hanging over him and affecting his concentration at work.

The administrative case filed by the reporter against Biñas is already in the office of Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Supt. Ager Ontog awaiting formal investigation.

Digal, in a separate interview, told The FREEMAN that Biñas filed his resignation letter last Feb. 16 as he simply wants to focus on the administrative case filed against him.

Biñas also sent a letter to Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, dated Feb. 17, informing him of his request to be relieved.

Digal has appointed Senior Insp. Errol Francis Deveyra, Talisay City Police Station deputy chief, to fill in as officer-in-charge while the CCPO looks for a permanent replacement. 

Talisay City Public Information Officer Arturo Bas said that there is a possibility that Biñas’ sudden resignation will be discussed in today’s department head meeting.

The reporter alleged that Biñas touched her breast and tried to kiss her after she and other members of the media interviewed him last Feb. 8. 

After the incident, the reporter and Cebu Daily News editor-in-chief Eileen Mangubat and lawyer Haide Acuña filed an official compliant against Biñas on Feb. 16.

Biñas defended himself saying that what he did was a simple friendly gesture that was misconstrued by the reporter. 

Leilani Villarion, the counsel of Biñas, said that her client is a reputable public servant and is revered by his peers.

She also said that Biñas’ resignation is a sign that her client is submitting himself for investigation by the PRO-7. — with Brenda D. Batuto of BANAT News/BRP (FREEMAN)