PNP brokers 5th district 'peace talks': G'bye 'Nazi rule,' hello harmony
All's well that ends well for Iloilo's northern towns recently rocked by talks of "Nazi rule" here. This, after a successful peace talk brokered over the weekend by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
With full details kept "confidential," The News Today (TNT) learned that all key figures were present and hanging issues individually addressed. From the side of the PNP, in attendance were Senior Superintendent Ricardo Dela Paz, Iloilo Provincial Police Office(IPPO) director and Chief Inspector Leroy Rapiz of the 608thIloilo Provincial Mobile Group.
To note, it was Rapiz or at least his conduct of police work that generated the buzz as provincial officials based in northern Iloilo complained of harassment. Top police hierarchy later justified and explained Rapiz acts' though as "police work" albeit with reservations.
Chief Superintendent Isagani Cuevas, Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 director, in an earlier TNT interview called for the immediate halt on the conduct of Rapiz's police checkpoints. Cuevas said checkpoints per se are illegal yet if implemented in pursuit of an ongoing police operation, must strictly adhere to the "plainview doctrine."
A call in the Iloilo Provincial Board was made for the transfer of Rapiz and dismissal from PNP service. Addressed to the PNP, Board Member Jeneda Salcedo led the anti-Rapiz sentiments as she called for legislative investigation. Salcedo sought support from colleagues on her plea to ascertain validity of the numerous complaints against said top police officer.
It was not immediately clear if Salcedo's request will be pursued with the peace talks realized by the PNP-initiated move.
The Salcedo clan headed by former Sara Mayor Neptali Salcedo were in complete attendance alongside former Police General, Estancia Mayor Restituto Mosqueda.
Dragged into the Salcedo-Rapiz tiff was the former general turned town mayor.
Reached for comment, Mosqueda said he is happy over the turn of events. He said as a former police officer, he understands the anti-criminality drive of Chief Inspector Rapiz. As a public servant, he also knows the collective concerns of the Salcedos for good governance and stable peace and order for Sara and throughout northern Iloilo.
"All's well that's ends well," Mosqueda assured.