778 cops dumped in Mindanao recalled

Acting National Police chief Director General Leandro Mendoza, revoked yesterday the order of ousted PNP chief and now senatorial wannabe Panfilo Lacson dumping 778 policemen in Mindanao on accusations that they are "inept, corrupt and undisciplined (ICUs), or are suspected members of the shadowy group Reform PNP Movement.
In a directive, Mendoza ordered these policemen to report back to their respective mother units, pending resolution of administrative cases filed against them by the past PNP leadership.

He wanted an ad hoc committee to study the disposition of the cases of these policemen. Chief Supt. Efren Fernandez, chief of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, will chair the committee.

Lacson had ordered a total of 778 policemen transferred to farflung assignments. They were among the 3,113 personnel with pending administrative cases undergoing summary hearing or pre-charge investigation.

Some of those transferred to other units, particularly those reassigned in Mindanao, are now appealing to be returned to their mother units.

The policemen claimed they were just victims of the infamous "purge" by Lacson to rid the PNP of non-loyal police officers and men.

One of those relieved from his post for his alleged anti-Estrada stand was Senior Superintendent Jaime Caringal, son-in-law of former Ambassador Fortunato Abat who has been vocal against deposed President Joseph Estrada.

At the height of the uprising against Estrada, Caringal was the overall ground commander of the assaulting force when Camp Crame was taken over by Mendoza and several top ranking police officials.

Mendoza said those who were not accorded due process should be returned to their former units. — With Christina Mendez