No retaliatory move on Oppus relief

CEBU, Philippines -The request for Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Commendador to head the Cebu Provincial Police Office came before the request of then acting CPPO director Louie Oppus to recall the 12 bodyguards of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

This was the clarification issued by the governor yesterday in reaction to the statement of broadcaster/columnist Bobby Nalzaro, who said the governor reportedly blew her top when she learned that Oppus recalled her police bodyguards.

On March 4, 2011 Garcia wrote a letter to PNP Director General Raul Bacalzo to put Commendador as officer-in-charge of CPPO while Oppus sent her a letter on March 7, 2011.

Oppus said in his letter to Garcia that all her body guards will be recalled effective March 15, 2011 which the governor said she acceded.

But before Oppus implemented his order, Commendador was designated officer-in-charge of CPPO which Garcia precisely believed because of her letter.

“Katong wa mga napili, palihog lang dili unta mangita’g mga paagi - underhanded and sly ways – in order to get back at me,” Garcia said apparently referring to Oppus.

Garcia said that long time ago, there was already an advice to pull out her bodyguards.

The governor also hopes Oppus won’t link the issue of the disconnection electricity of CPPO to his request to recall bodyguards.

“Dili unta na gamiton nga akusasyon nga tungod gi-recall ang bodyguards gipaputlan sa kuryente,” she said as this would be “unhanded” and “unprofessional” to the part of Oppus.

Garcia believed that what Nalzaro was talking about the recall of her bodyguard has came from Oppus.

“In fairness to Col. Commendador, he never came to me to offer himself nor did he ask anybody to endorse him or recommend him,” Garcia added. — (FREEMAN)