Gillamac sacks SWAT chief

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City police officer director P /Supt. Noel Gillamac has ordered the relief of SWAT chief /Insp. Diosdado Malazarte for allegedly leaving his office with his men without a valid reason and delegating his responsibilities to a civilian volunteer.

Newly installed PRO-7 director Marcelo Garbo found the SWAT office at the North Reclamation Area empty except for the civilian volunteer, yesterday morning when he dropped by.

The official also noticed that the office was in disarray.

Gillamac said he doesn't know why Malazarte and his men were out of the office when Garbo dropped by.

At that particular time, there was no alarm to respond to, he said.

Gillamac said Malazarte will be investigated by the Investigation and Detective Management Bureau (IDMB).

"It's an office not a bodega and somebody should be there to assist people who need their help," Gillamac said.

Gillamac said Malazarte's relief should serve as an eye opener to all station and special unit chiefs.

Deputy director for operations Supt. Jason Capoy will be the concurrent chief of the SWAT.

Garbo was in Mandaue City yesterday to speak at the "Basic Unit Training Program" of the MCPO.

The program discussed proper decorum, how to arrest criminals, and first aid.

Gillamac also announced yesterday that since Capoy is now back to the MCPO after his schooling, he will now head Task Force Ouano that was formerly headed by P/Supt. James Goforth.

Capoy is also expected to concentrate on the case involving a businesswoman who was gunned down at the Reclamation Area last month.