"If there is evidence to pin Bong Pineda, then he should go to jail," Mendoza told reporters after the turnover ceremonies. Berroya, former PNP intelligence chief, replaced Chief Superintendent Enrique Galang who, in turn, was designated Bicol police director.
Pineda is a suspected big-time gambling lord whom former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson earlier claimed was one of the gambling financiers who gave payoffs to ousted President Estrada.
"Stopping jueteng is a very basic instruction (to Berroya)," Mendoza said.
Mendoza said he has already recommended Berroya’s promotion, adding that the latter’s designation as Central Luzon police chief was a "promotion" because Central Luzon is the country’s biggest region.
He said Berroya’s assignment in Central Luzon was a case of "finding the right people for the right job." "We feel he is needed in Region 3," he added.
Mendoza added that being a regional police commander is "bigger than being the head of a national administrative support unit."
Berroya, for his part, claimed that the criticisms against him were "being manipulated." He did not elaborate. — With Ric Sapnu