Albayalde: Claims vs Marikina mayor have basis

MANILA, Philippines — The allegations that Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro withdrew support for the local police have basis, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters in an interview, Albayalde belied Teodoro’s statement that he was misinformed.

He said National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, Eastern Police District (EPD) chief Brig. Gen. Christopher Tambungan and Marikina acting police chief Col. Redrico Maranan have attested to Teodoro’s attacks on the local police.

“All have been verified. We will not react if there are no reports on the ground,” Albayalde said.

The PNP has submitted its report on the issue to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday for appropriate action.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered a probe, saying he will require Teodoro to explain as soon as possible.

Among the allegations against Teodoro is that he withheld the gasoline allowance and other assistance given to members of the Marikina police after he was not informed about Maranan’s designation as the new city police chief.