Dumanjug Mayor tags VM in relief of police chief

CEBU, Philippines - Dumanjug town Mayor Nelson Garcia is crying foul after the town’s police chief, Senior Inspector Narciso Abapo, was relieved allegedly upon the request of the mayor’s political foe, Vice Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica.

 However, Gica quickly denied the allegations and said he has no involvement in the affairs of the local police.

 “I don’t know anything about it, I don’t have any idea,” said Gica.

 Garcia said Abapo was relieved by Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Noel Gillamac last Wednesday.

 “Unta suwatan ko niya ngano’ng gi-relieve, wa man ko nag-request for relieve,” Garcia said.

 Garcia eyes filing a complaint before the National Police Commission.

 “Under sa balaud, ang mayor ang naay katungod to choose sa chief of police, wa mosubay sa process,” he said.

 Based on procedure, the CPPO director would submit five names to the local chief executive who would then be the one to choose the town’s chief of police.

 “Ang hepe gani magtinarung ila i-relieve, ang motuman sa ila gusto’ng binuang dili nila i-relieve,” Garcia said.

 The rift between Garcia and Gica started during the 2013 elections.

 Gica had filed administrative complaints against Garcia before the Provincial Board for designating a town secretary, resulting to the preventive suspension of the latter.

 Garcia also filed various countercharges against Gica but the PB committee on complaints and investigation has yet to launch an inquiry.

 The PB is set to decide on the case filed by Gica against Garcia after the marathon hearings were conducted last month.  (FREEMAN)