Napolcom strips governor, 18 mayors of police power

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has stripped a governor and 18 more mayors of their supervision and control over the police in their respective jurisdictions due to either alleged drug links or abuse of authority.

In resolutions signed by Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge and Napolcom chairman Catalino Cuy dated October 30, those stripped of powers were:

• Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles;
• Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental Mayor Crisinciano Mahilac;
• Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental Mayor Michael Gutierrez;
• Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental Mayor Donjie Animas;
• Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental Mayor Jason Almonte;
• Concepcion , Misamis Occidental Mayor Juanidy Viña;
• Calamba, Misamis Occidental Mayor Ezel Villanueva;
• Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte Mayor Ferdinand Aguinaldo;
• Concepcion, Tarlac Mayor Andres Lacson
• Angeles, Pampanga Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan;
• Subic, Zambales Mayor Jefferson Khonghun;
• Camiling, Tarlac Mayor Erlon Agustin;
• Ronda, Cebu Mayor Mariano Blanco;
• Santo Niño, South Cotabato Mayor Pablo Matinong Jr;
• Libungan, North Cotabato Mayor Christopher Cuan;
• Banga, South Cotabato Mayor Albert Palencia;
• Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Leonida Angcap;
• El Nido, Palawan Mayor Niever Cabunalda-Rosento; and
• Bataraza, Palawan Mayor Abraham Ibba

Others who signed the resolutions were Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rogelio Casurao; and commissioners Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, Felizardo Serapio Jr., Job Mangete, and Zenonida Brosas.

Napolcom has already served the orders to the officials’ respective offices.

Cerilles accused of abuse of authority

In Resolution 2017-571, Napolcom said it received a confidential report outlining the abuse of authority allegedly committed by Cerilles.

“The Commission, hereby, resolved to withdraw the deputation of Governor Antonio Cerilles as Napolcom representative,” it said.

It said upon assumption to office of President Rodrigo Duterte, one of his first major initiative was the eradication of abuses being committed by government officials both appointed and elected.

Mayors linked to drugs?

Napolcom removed the police power of other local officials for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

The commission has already withdrawn the deputation of Lemery, Batangas Mayor Eulalio Alilio; Teresa, Rizal Mayor Raul Palino; Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili; Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor Cecilio Hernandez; and San Pablo Mayor Loreto Amante.

The resolutions stated after continuous validation by the intelligence agencies concerned, the local chief executives have been identified as engaged in illegal drug trade or activity.

“The exercise of the duties, obligations, powers, and prerogatives vested unto the foregoing local chief executives as Napolcom deputy under Section 51 (b) of RA 6975 as amended are hereby suspended accordingly,” the resolutions added.

“Based on the  consistent pronouncements made by our Chief Executive President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his campaign against illegal drugs, the involvement of a local chief executive in illegal drug activity constitutes an act inimical to national security.” 

The resolutions said the alleged involvement in illegal drugs of the local officials negated the effectiveness of the peace and order campaign and thus serves as a valid ground for suspension or withdrawal of deputation of Napolcom representatives. —KBK, GMA News