PRO-7 won't hesitate, to sanction erring cops

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office (PRO) – 7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. will not hesitate to impose sanctions on any policemen found to be involved in any form of violence.

 This amid recent incidents in Cebu City during the past weeks where three policemen from the Punta Princesa Police Station were accused of mauling two men while one was accused of shooting a street vendor.

 Last week, PO3 Atilano Ferrolino, PO1 Alexis Alferez and PO1 Romeo Ramas, of Punta Princessa Police Station, were accused of mauling and illegal detention by two men.

 SPO2 Cresante Dacillo, on the other hand, also shot dead a street vendor and claimed it was self-defense.

 “There seems to be a series of policemen getting involved in incidents. Kay during sa command conference namin, I told them that we will go after these policemen criminally. If they will be able to absolve themselves in criminal charges, let us go after them administratively,” Garbo said

 Garbo said policemen should protect the image of the police and should not be the first ones breaking the law.

 He assured all policemen accused of the said violations that they will be given due process as part of their rights.

 As the director, Garbo said he can easily practice his power to transfer any policeman to Bohol, Siquijor or to Negros as their sanction.

 “By relieving them outside of Cebu (Island) they can feel the inconvenience (of being away from their families),” he said.

 Since Garbo assumed as PRO-7 director last year, he has transferred several non-commissioned officers outside Cebu for simply not wearing the proper police uniform.

 Those relieved were assigned to other provincial offices outside of Cebu.

Garbo also relieved three policemen with ranks of Senior Superintendent, in PRO-7. (FREEMAN)