CIDG chief vows to stay apolitical

MANILA, Philippines - A ranking police official vowed to remain apolitical and will not allow some quarters use the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to advance their political interest.

CIDG chief Director Leon Nilo dela Cruz said the CIDG, the investigating arm of the Philippine National Police, will ensure that the May 10 elections will be honest, orderly and peaceful.

“We want to assure the public of our commitment to guard the sanctity and integrity of the elections. We will not allow the CIDG to be used in any form of cheating,” said Dela Cruz.

In 2004, the CIDG then headed by retired police general Arturo Lomibao was implicated in the massive cheating to favor President Arroyo as indicated in the taped conversation between Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and a woman, who sounded like the President.

Garcillano named Generals Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Arturo Lomibao as among the military and police officers involved in Mrs. Arroyo’s special operations, particularly in Mindanao.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa has directed all police regional, provincial and station commanders to ensure that the May 10 elections will be peaceful and orderly. Verzosa, who went around different regional and provincial police offices nationwide, reminded the 130,000 policemen nationwide to remain apolitical and follow the law without fear or favor.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said the PNP has already laid down preparations for the first ever automated elections. “All systems go. All security preparations are in place and are being implemented nationwide,” Espina said.

Espina said the PNP continues to strictly implement the gun ban imposed by the Comelec from Jan. 10 to June 9 in connection with the national and local elections.