Res Gestae
Long live Rapiz! Long live Dela Paz!
Now, the public, particularly the people of Iloilo 5th District, must think twice!
The Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan's (SP) Committee on Public Order and Security wanted Police Chief Inspector Leroy Rapiz to be declared "persona non grata." But, Iloilo Police Provincial Office Director Senior Superintendent Ricardo Dela Paz rationally and strongly maintained his support for the beleaguered 608th Provincial Mobile Group Director.
I salute you, Sir Dela Paz!
I feel pity for the SP.
While Dela Paz assailed the legitimacy of Rapiz's operations, the SP condemned Rapiz as "clear and present danger" to the people of 5th District.
SP's declaration is 'dangerous'. It will adversely affect the disposition of police officers, or any law enforcer for that matter, assigned in the area.
If the SP has declared Rapiz 'persona non grata' despite Dela Paz's assertion of the regularity of his (Rapiz) checkpoint operations last July, what will other police officers expect once they encounter the Salcedos in one of their operations?
Worse, the SP's declaration implies that other SP members are now guaranteed with the support of their colleague-proponent of "Berdugo" speech. This fact makes no single police officer safer in their area of operations in the province of Iloilo. That is despite how legitimate their operations may be, and regardless of their compliance to their revered Police Operational Procedure.
With that contention, every police officer in Iloilo Province is now facing a "clear and present danger'. Conspiracy!
As the police force in Iloilo Province faces uncertainties in view of this present development in Rapiz's case, I simply cross my fingers that Dela Paz remains unperturbed with his conviction.
Dela Paz may stand firm with his men, come hell or high waters. He may always stand for the truth as he now does with Rapiz.
As Dela Paz has firmly asserted legality as basis for not booting out Rapiz in the 5th District, I fervently hope the SP will someday learn to sound a bit 'legal' in making pronouncement, if not judgment.
For now, join me for a toast for Rapiz and Dela Paz.
Long live Rapiz! Long live Dela Paz!
(Comment to rogatepnp@yahoo.com or 09193161190.)