Ping's nemesis Berroya fired

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Panfilo "Ping" Lacson's longtime nemesis may soon be out of the service.

Superintendent Reynaldo Berroya, who gained prominence for criticizing Lacson and President Estrada, was recently ordered dismissed from the police force by his immediate superior in Mindanao.

The reason: absenteeism.

Chief Superintendent Fritz Quinanola, head of the CARAGA regional police, said he recommended that Berroya be dismissed for allegedly being absent without official leave (AWOL) from March 24 to April 4.

Quinanola had suspended Berroya for three months last April 17 and had ordered him investigated for frequently leaving his post without authorization.

Berroya was transferred to CARAGA only last November after serving in Southern Tagalog for several years.

He vehemently denied Quinanola's allegations.

In a phone interview, Berroya said the CARAGA chief's order to dismiss him was illegal since only the President has the power to axe him because of his rank.

"He (Quinanola) can only recommend but not order my dismissal," he stressed.

Berroya said he believes Quinanola only wanted him removed from the PNP because he was investigating the CARAGA police chief for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

He said that during the period he was allegedly on AWOL, he was meeting with Deputy Director General Jewel Canson who heads the National Drug Law Enforcement and Prevention Center as well as with Chief Superintendent Reynor Gonzales of the PNP's Narcotics Group.

"He wanted me out because he knows I'm probing him," Berroya stressed.

The police colonel also questioned his superior's decision to suspend him, saying Quinanola was "the complainant and at the same time head of the investigation committee."

Berroya said he had sent a letter to PNP chief Lacson to ask for assistance. However, Lacson has not talked to him nor answered his letter.

Formerly buddies, Lacson and Berroya parted ways when the latter was convicted for his involvement in the 1993 kidnapping of a Taiwanese businessman. It was Lacson's team under the then Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC) which apprehended Berroya.

President Estrada used to head the PACC when he was vice president.

Berroya was only able to return to the service after the Supreme Court acquitted him a couple of years ago. To get back at Lacson and Mr. Estrada, he joined those accusing the former of masterminding the summary execution of suspected bank robbers and the latter of allegedly plotting to assassinate then President Fidel Ramos. He was not able to substantiate such claims, though.

Lacson was not immediately available to comment on Berroya's predicament. He is in Hawaii attending a meeting of the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Board.