PNP chief orders relief of 'improperly dressed' cop

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Jesus Verzosa ordered the relief and reassignment of a Mandaluyong City policeman to Camp Crame, where he will undergo seminars on the proper wearing of the police uniform.

Verzosa said Police Officer 3 Ireneo Lachica was shown in a STAR photo examining the body of Reylito Dequidoy, who was shot dead by his landlord, a teacher, Jose Solomon, outside the latters’ boarding house Thursday night.

Verzosa noted that Lachica improperly wore the PNP general office attire: his shirt was not tucked in, his gun was not holstered but simply tucked into his waistband, and he was not wearing his PNP badge.

Upon noticing The STAR’s photo, Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele said he directed Senior Superintendent Carlos de Sagun, Mandaluyong City police chief, to investigate the incident.

Minutes later, De Sagun was ordered by Rosales to have Lachica disarmed.

A few hours later, De Sagun received a text message from Verzosa ordering Lachica’s relief and reassignment to Camp Crame.

Lachica claimed the gun tucked in his waist was recovered evidence.

Rosales theorized that Lachica was not wearing his uniform while on duty at the Police Community Precinct 6 at the Welfareville compound and hastily put it on prior to responding to the shooting. – Non Alquitran, Cecille Suerte Felipe