PCAC wants no-nonsense probe vs 3 police officials

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Coordinating and Advisory Council has directed Cebu City police director Noli Romana to conduct a thorough investigation into the use of an impounded vehicle by the three former chiefs of the Theft and Robbery Section.

PCAC chairman and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella required Romana to submit an update of the investigation during the council’s meeting on Tuesday.

Romana earlier directed the Investigation and Detection Management Bureau of Cebu City Police Office to investigate Chief Inspector Noli Cernio, Inspector William Alicaba, and Senior Inspector Elisandro Quijano for allegedly using an impounded Mitsubishi Lancer during their respective stint as TRS chief.

The three police officials admitted using the vehicle for police operations but denied using it for personal benefit.

The three officials had been relieved from their respective post since Friday and were placed on floating status pending the result of the investigation.

 “In as much as we have reiterated to ourselves in PCAC meetings and similar gatherings, that we need to reestablish law enforcement agencies, the police especially, as trustworthy, willing units, keeping communities safe and protected from bad elements, it is disheartening to hear issues where heads of police sections are themselves abusive of the power and trust given to them,” Labella said in a letter addressed to Romana.

Labella said that it is important that leaders from various sectors are made aware of initiatives related to crime control, starting from within the police force itself.

“It is imperative for us in PCAC to enable all our member agencies to make a difference in their respective units,” he said.  (FREEMAN)