DILG to probe Marikina mayor

For withdrawal of support for cops

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will investigate Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro amid allegations that he withdrew support for the local police after he was not informed about the designation of new city police chief, an official said yesterday.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año ordered the probe following reports that Teodoro withheld the gasoline allowance and other assistance given to members of the Marikina police.

“I am verifying the details and I will require the mayor to explain as soon as possible,” Año said in a text message to reporters.

DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the department would act accordingly if the allegations against Teodoro are proven true.

“We will look into the alleged removal of benefits to the Marikina police and will act accordingly based on the result of  our investigation,” he said.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde has ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to
submit a report to the DILG regarding the matter.

A police memorandum stated that Teodoro reduced the monthly gasoline allocation for police cars from P15,000 to 5,000 and motorcycles from P6,000 to P1,500.

“The efforts of the Marikina policemen to serve and protect the public are affected,” the memorandum read.

Teodoro allegedly stopped the logistical support for the repair and
maintenance of mobility assets as well as cash aid and other equipment needed in law enforcement operations.

He reportedly had the posters of the NCRPO’s hotline numbers in the city taken down.

The mayor allegedly barred police officers from attending the regular Monday flag-raising rites at the city hall.

Malaya pointed out that the consensus of local chief executives is not required in the designation of a police chief in an acting capacity under Republic Act 6975 or the PNP Act.

“As deputized representatives of the National Police Commission in their jurisdictions, mayors must adhere to policy decisions of the Napolcom it deems
exigent,” he said.

Malaya said local officials should not withhold benefits intended for the local police as these are included in appropriation ordinances.

“They are left with no discretion but to implement it,” he said.

Teodoro welcomes probe

The mayor welcomed the investigation by the DILG.

“I am open to a fair and impartial probe. I welcome the opportunity to present the facts, and show that what has been provided by local government to the Marikina police is more than what is legally required,” Teodoro said in a statement.

He denied the allegations hurled against him, saying Albayalde was misinformed.

Teodoro admitted that he was not pleased when he was not informed about the designation of Col. Redrico Maranan as acting Marikina police chief.

“It is a matter of courtesy and respect. I should at least be notified,” Teodoro said.

He denounced the PNP, saying it has no respect for a duly elected official.

“The PNP seems to forget that the police force, while national in scope, is still civilian in character. That is why the authority of operational supervision and control is lodged with the mayor,” he added.