Erring cops to face 30 days suspension without pay
The 28 policemen including two police officials of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) now facing administrative cases before the Investigative and Detective Management Section would be slapped with a 30 days suspension if evidence warrants.
ICPO Director Senior Supt. Bartolome Tobias said the 28 are facing cases for neglect of duty. Most of them were found absent when series of inspections was conducted in their respective assignments. The probe is now ongoing to give them the chance to defend themselves.
Among those who are facing the administrative charges are Chief Inspector Conrado Carganillo, chief of the police precinct 1 (City Proper) and Senior Inspector Harry Decena, chief of police precinct 3 (Jaro).
Tobias said they want to resolve all the administrative cases soon. The resolution of pending cases is one of the reforms being initiated by the ICPO "to change the working attitude" of the police personnel. They have to be more responsible towards their police work, he said.
The city director could impose a 30-day suspension without pay against those found liable for the offense. The degree of punishment will depend on the gravity of the offense. All the penalties would be based on the police law, Tobias assured.
The police would be given a leeway to file an appeal on whatever penalties that the Investigative and Detective Management Section has recommended and concurred by the city director.
Meanwhile, the ongoing unannounced inspections in the different police precincts and areas of assignment pushed the policemen to be on time and to make themselves available in their areas of responsibilities. The presence of policemen on the streets is one of the request of Mayor Jerry Treñas to the ICPO.
The chief executive wants more police personnel on the streets than inside the police station. The presence of the policemen will deter the commission of the crime especially those in the major thoroughfares when pickpockets frequent the place. The mayor also wants the police to coordinate with barangay officials in their effort to curb the Akyat Bahay Gang and other forms of criminalities wherein the help of barangay officials and civilian volunteer organization is needed.