Ex-mayor escort slapped with 90 days suspension

CEBU, Philippines - A jail guard at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation was placed under 90-days prevention suspension pending investigation of the administrative case against him for escorting an ex-mayor, accused of a broadcaster’s murder in Aklan, to a restaurant for lunch without an order from the court.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has approved the recommendation of Capitol consultant Lito Astillero, chairman of the committee on discipline and investigation, to place jail guard Edison Ferraren on preventive suspension.

Astillero said Ferraren is charged with a serious offense which carries the penalty of dismissal from service if convicted. He however assured that Ferraren will be given due process.

“Di gyud na pwede nga naay deviation (deviation is strictly not allowed), it must be jail to court, court to jail only, strictly. Any deviation on that matter is punishable by termination,” Astillero said.

Aside from Ferraren, former jail warden Algier Comendador and assistant warden Reynaldo Pepito Jr. are also under investigation based on the principle of command responsibility.

Garcia immediately ordered the relief of Comendador, Pepito and peace and order consultant Cesar Veloso after the incident.

Garcia said that the relief of Comendador and Pepito served as warning.

Security Agent Napoleon Miranda is now designated as acting CPDRC warden and prison guard Romeo Manansala as acting assistant warden.

The Province will be opening the positions of CPDRC warden and assistant warden to qualified applicants.

Ferraren escorted former Lezo town mayor Alfredo Arcenio to a restaurant to eat lunch after his court hearing last week. The unauthorized trip to a nearby restaurant was caught by some members of the media.

In fact, a video footage was seen showing the accused having no handcuff while in the restaurant. Arcenio was accused in the 2004 murder of a Bombo Radyo broadcaster in Aklan.  (FREEMAN)