Ombuds suspend NBI investigator for misconduct vs radioman

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines—A special investigator of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas for misconduct filed by a radio broadcaster.

Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol, in his order, suspended NBI special investigator Geovel Aperio for three months without pay, after finding him liable for simple misconduct in a complaint filed by Rommel Pido, a broadcaster of DYAF Radio Veritas in this city.

In his affidavit-complaint, Pido claimed he criticized Aperio in his radio show after he received text messages from his listeners accusing Aperio of abuses and display of arrogance, including the brandishing of his firearm in public sometime in December 2010.

On March 25, 2011, Aperio, who was reportedly armed, came to the radio station and confronted Pido on his on-air commentaries.

In the decision, the Ombudsman ruled that the “respondent had, indeed, intended to create fear in the minds of complainant and his group.”

Moreover, it ruled that “while the alleged act of complainant in maligning him on air, which act could be considered a provocation, it did not, however, justify an undesirable reaction from him (respondent).”

“Strict personal discipline is expected of an occupant of a public office because a public official is a property of the public. He is lolled upon to set the example how public officials should correctly conduct themselves even in the face of extreme provocation,” the decision reads.

“Always, he is expected to act and serve with the highest degree of responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency and shall remain accountable for his conduct to the people,” Apostol stated in his decision.

Apostol further said: “NBI agents/special investigators are duty-bound to maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule. Moreover, the use of NBI properties for private purposes such as the unnecessary exposure or display of NBI-issued firearm in public to intimidate or exert influence is within the contemplation of conflict of interest and is, therefore, prohibited.”(FREEMAN)