'SP probe body rules Rapiz is 'clear and present danger' to Iloilo
After seven witnesses, numerous sworn statements and series of testimonies, the "Berdugo" probe of the Committee on Public Order and Security disclosed its findings.
With First District Board Member Richard Garin committee chair taking the lead, the findings were blunt and direct – the committee solely relied on witnesses'; accounts for failure of Chief Inspector Leroy Rapiz to present himself as invited.
Rapiz as group director of the 608th Iloilo Police Mobile Group (IPMG) was subject of a privilege speech of Board Member Jeneda Salcedo. His actuations, the lady board member said, was likened to the Nazi rule saying no thanks to Rapiz, Northern Iloilo suffered "rape" of their rights. As such, Rapiz was the "berdugo" in the district.
In an eight-paged report, the committee stated that evidence showed Rapiz "appeared" to have indeed acted beyond his sworn duty to serve and protect the people.
As such, it would appear he conducted warrantless body search of passengers and onlookers in a bus terminal in the town of Sara in at least three occasions. He also conducted unauthorized checkpoint in Ajuy, Iloilo. He was also abusive in said checkpoint that resulted to a verbal altercation with former Sara Mayor Neptali Salcedo Sr. He also conducted warrantless 'stop and frisk'; operations and finally, engaged in a verbal confrontation with the town vice mayor.
The committee would take none of such purported abuses from Chief Inspector Rapiz.
"…Rapiz displayed not only a brazen disregard of these people';s rights, he also manifested an apparent and inexcusable ignorance of the law… This Committee cannot likewise find any justification as to the repeated absence… to us, it is not merely a waiver of his right to be heard but more significantly, such unjustifiable absence clearly indicates that he absconded from his duty and deliberately refused to assist this Committee in formulating a policy to enhance the rights of our constituents against government abuse," excerpts of the committee report went.
Rapiz'; actions, the SP probe body ruled, betrayed "his predisposition to violate the rights of our constituents."
"He, therefore, poses a clear and present danger to the inhabitants of this province. To protect them, it is incumbent upon this August Body to strongly recommend to the hierarchy of the Philippine National Police to remove such danger in our midst in the soonest possible time," the report continued.
Recommendations were then laid down –urged PNP Director General to impose penalty of dismissal or suspension "and that in the meantime, his assignment be transferred to another province."
Secondly, that because Rapiz is a "clear and present threat to the liberties of the Ilonggos," he be declared Persona Non Grata with a copy of the Resolution attached to his 201 file.
And finally, a request to the PNP to come up with specific guidelines on the conduct of checkpoints.