Resign, PNP officers backing Lacson told

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Leandro Mendoza dared police officers reportedly campaigning for his predecessor, Panfilo Lacson Jr., who is running for senator, to "leave the PNP or resign if you want to join politics."

The law, Mendoza said, bars policemen in active duty to engage in partisan politics.

Mendoza hurled the challenge as members of the PNP’s Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board met yesterday to discuss the matter and the possible sanctions against the erring police officers.

The police officers, who were monitored to have allegedly provided security or accompanied Lacson in his campaign sorties, were identified as Chief Superintendents Renato Paredes of the Traffic Management Group, Jose Ayap (Ilocos), Tiburcio Fusillero (Central Visayas), Dominador Domingo (Western Mindanao), Romeo Acop and his younger brother Reynaldo, Victor Batac and Francisco Zubia; Senior Superintendent Gregorio Dolina (Region 11), Cesar Mancao, Michael Ray Aquino and Diosdado Valeroso.

The other day, Mendoza directed Chief Superintendent Nestorio Gualberto, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, to oversee the investigation into the matter.

Gualberto said those found guilty face administrative sanctions as well as criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 7166 or the Omnibus Election Code.

In another development, seven police chiefs in Southern Tagalog were relieved from their posts for failing to stop illegal gambling in their respective turfs.

Relieved were Superintendents Yolanda Tanigue and Victor Agarcio of San Pablo and San Pedro, Laguna, respectively; Danilo Castro of Silang, Cavite; Mario Lico Sr. and Renato Ramos of Angono and Binangonan, Rizal, respectively; Senior Inspector Romeo Ramos of Pinamalayan, Mindoro Oriental; and Chief Inspector Nilo Maitim of Sto. Tomas, Batangas. — With Romel Bagares, Rene Alviar and Christina Mendez