Town cop chief axed over post on killings

MANILA, Philippines — The officer-in-charge of a municipal police station in Catanduanes was sacked yesterday from his post upon the request of the town mayor, who expressed shock at the police official’s social media post insinuating that the victims of murder suspect police M/Sgt. Jonel Nuezca were to blame for their fate for being disrespectful.

Bicol police chief Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bustamante announced the administrative relief of Capt. Ariel Buraga as police commander in Bato, Catanduanes. Buraga was replaced by Lt. Fidel Romero.

Bustamante said Buraga’s relief was in response to the request of Bato Mayor Juan Rodulfo to remove the officer from his post over his controversial remarks.

Apart from his relief, Buraga was also ordered to explain why he should not be sanctioned for his statement.

“I directed him to explain in writing why disciplinary sanctions should not be imposed on him for violating social media protocols,” Bustamante said in a phone interview.

Buraga drew the ire of the public after he posted on Facebook that people should always respect lawmen and that Nuezca’s murderous outburst on Sunday in Paniqui, Tarlac was sparked by show of disrespect by victims Sonya Rufino Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony.

Bustamante fumed at Buraga’s issuing comments on the shooting of which he had no  personal knowledge. He also admonished the junior police officer for dragging the entire Bicol police to the issue.

Bustamante reminded his personnel in Bicol to refrain from posting comments on Facebook and other social media platforms about Nuezca’s case. “It’s hard to comment if you’re not there,” he said.

Earlier, Baruga posted: “My Father is a policeeeee Mannnnn ha!!! I don’t care eh eh eh eh eh er!!! P@#Yng ina mo gusto mo tapusin na kita ngayon???? Bang Bang Bang Bang..Lesson Learn kahit puti na ang buhok o ubanin na tayo, eh matuto tayong rumispeto sa ating mga Kapulisan..Mahirap kalaban ang Pagtitimpi at pagpapasensya..RIP Nanay and Totoy..”

A certain Shiela Mae Tanael then posted a response to Baruga, asking “So sinasabi nyo sir kasalanan po ni nanay kong bakit sya nabaril ng pulis kasi wala syang respeto?Baruga quickly responded: “opo (yes).”

Rudolfo said that after reading Baruga’s and Tanael’s posts, he went to watch the video of the Tarlac shooting twice.

“After watching two times the video of the shooting by the police of the victims, I immediately drafted the letter addressed to our PD (provincial director of Catanduanes) to ask his immediate relief. I did not consult anybody about my decision. I did even mind calling Baruga. It’s my judgment call,” Rodulfo told The STAR in a phone interview.

He said he immediately sent the letter to Catanduanes police provincial director Colonel Brian Castillo to request the relief of Baruga before 5 p.m. on Monday.

“In fact, I did not recommend any name as Baruga’s replacement. I just want him to be immediately removed as police chief of my town,” Rudolfo added.

He said he also waited for Baruga to post a message to condemn the killing.

“But he did not do it. This means that he really stood by his decision,” Rodulfo explained.

Rodulfo said that another reason for asking the immediate relief of Baruga was the Facebook posted reactions by his constituents and by the public that condemned the comment of the police as they also expressed fears of the continuous presence of Baruga in Bato.

“It appears that he is protecting more the police than the civilians,” Rodulfo said.

But Rodulfo said he is recognizing the good performance of Baruga as police chief before his posted comment on the Tarlac killings took place.