Caloocan’s top cop relieved without probe?

MANILA, Philippines – Caloocan police chief Senior Superintendent Bartolome Bustamante was relieved from his post Monday, reportedly without an investigation of the complaint filed against him.

In an order dated May 16, Deputy Director General Francisco Uyami, Philippine National Police Directorial Staff head, told Bustamante to relinquish his post and transfer to the Holding Administrative Unit at Camp Crame.

The order, obtained by The STAR, was signed by Director Dominador Aquino, director for personnel and records management.

Bustamante refused to comment on his relief, but a source said a low-ranking police officer accused of misappropriating the P1,500 allowance given to police officers who perform election-related duties.

The complainant reportedly told officials at Camp Crame that they only received P800 out of P1,500 allotted for them.

The source, however, said the funds arrived a day before the elections and was not enough for more than 1,400 police officers so Bustamante ordered the Caloocan police’s finance officer to give the police officers P800 each and promised to give the balance as soon as the next tranche arrives.

An official said the balance was given on Saturday and Monday. He said the complaint was unfair because Bustamante was not given due process.