Committee wraps up probe with Rapiz in 'perfect no-attendance'
Reasons or alibis? Whichever it may be, for the Committee on Public Order and Security, "it's a wrap" for the investigation minus the side of main character, Police Chief Inspector Leroy Rapiz.
As such, the committee will now work on validating existing evidences, statements and testimonies presented on what was dubbed as the "Berdugo probe."
Rapiz and his police conduct as group director of the 608th Iloilo Provincial Mobile Group was subject of a scathing privilege speech in July. Ex-Officio Board Member Jeneda Salcedo, president of the provincial Liga ng mga Barangay, delivered the speech and called for SP intervention and action.
The Committee called on various resource persons including the vice mayor of Sara, Iloilo, the town police chief and numerous locals as witnesses. Rapiz for his part was invited four times, said invites he also declined four times.
In a "Chronology of reasons or alibis?" read by committee members, the following was noted: August 18, 2008 – Rapiz informed the body through counsel, lawyer Tranquilino Gale that he cannot attend the committee hearing "invoking his constitutional and legal right against self-incrimination."
Second invite was on August 25, 2008, yet another no-show for Rapiz with an excuse letter sent still through counsel due to site inspection of police higher-ups.
Then came the third invite in September 16, 2008, still no Rapiz because he told the SP body, he was still in mourning due to the September 5 death of his brother.
And finally, yesterday's last and final invite snubbed anew.
The committee hearing was led by First District Board Member Richard Garin as committee chairman. Vice Governor Rolex Suplico, Third District Board Member Arthur Defensor Jr. and Second District Board Member June Mondejar were likewise present yesterday.
A consensus was reached that Rapiz by not appearing before the probe body waived his right to be heard. The consent of two lawyer-board members were also taken to conclude the investigation. The probe body further noted that ample time was given for Rapiz to grace the committee's invitation.