Private army? Not me, says Mandaluyong mayor

Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos claimed that the 600-man " private army" referred to by his political rival, former Vice Mayor Ernesto "Bibot" Domingo, were under the direct supervision of the local police chief but Superintendent Jose Gentiles said they are not.

In a recent talk with newsmen, Abalos pointed out that Domingo was barking up the wrong tree by accusing him of keeping a private army because the units his rival mentioned were under the direct supervision of Gentiles.

"There’s no truth to the private army issue. It is Gentiles whom he slapped in the face with his accusations," Abalos told newsmen.

Domingo identified Abalos’ private army as members of the City’s Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), Mayor’s Action Command (MAC) and Task Force Anti-Vice. They are armed when they conduct operations against illegal gambling, littering, sidewalk vending and smut; and Domingo said they report directly to Mayor Abalos.

He pointed out that SPO1 Felipe Lim Jr., head of the Anti-Vice Task Force, was often heard boasting that he is only answerable to Abalos. According to Domingo, these people were hired by Abalos to repay old political debts. – Non Alquitran