Proponent of 'Berdugo' probe hails SP move vs top cop
Board Member Jeneda Salcedo, principal proponent of the legislative investigation on Iloilo's top cop welcomed the resolution reached by colleagues in the provincial board.
With some two months on the works, Salcedo said she could not be any happier and relieved with the outcome. The decision, she added, was "just and fair" particularly since efforts were extended to hear the side of the subject police officer.
Dubbed "Berdugo" and behind the "Nazi rule" in Northern Iloilo, Chief Inspector Leroy Rapiz is now declared "Persona Non Grata" by the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP). The top cop's transfer outside of Iloilo province was also pushed as his dismissal or suspension from was further sought from the hierarchy of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
It was to be the Committee on Public Order and Security chaired by First District Board Member Richard Garin that came up with recommendations. The committee's stance was then adopted by the SP body when presented during Tuesday's session.
"I am very thankful to the entire committee... all the circumstances were duly investigated and proven to be true in the course of the investigation...," came Salcedo's reaction.
Asked if future "peace talks" is still possible, Salcedo said it would have to be a family decision. The same is true, she acknowledged, on administrative complaints reportedly set to be pursued by her brother-vice mayor of Sara, Iloilo.
Rapiz as group of director of the 608th Iloilo Provincial Mobile Group (IPMG) was hit for police actions deemed abusive and illegal.
With four invites sent by the committee, Rapiz though given the earlier orders by superiors snubbed the SP investigation. Rapiz gave out varying excuses on his absence, the last creating yet more news.
On his fourth and final excuse letter, Rapiz through counsel Tranquilino Gale said he had to miss the investigation concerned that communist rebels will attack "anytime" Northern Iloilo. Added to said excuse, Rapiz said he also cannot leave his post due to the resurgence of illegal fishing here.
Immediately after the excuse letter was made public, no less than the region's top cop, Chief Superintendent Isagani Cuevas dismissed the purported "communist invasion" of Northern Iloilo. Governor Niel Tupas for his part has also since declared victory on illegal fishing here particularly since Northern Iloilo is his turf.