Samar PNP head declared ‘persona non grata’ in Calbayog

CEBU, Philippines — In a vote of six ‘ayes,’ three ‘nays,’ and one abstention, the Samar Provincial Board approved a resolution declaring the director of the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) “persona non grata” in Calbayog City.

The Samar PB, in its resolution, stated that SPPO Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Nicholas Torre III was allegedly engaged in partisan political activity during the recent election period, and failed to curb criminality in Calbayog.

The PB resolution will be endorsed to President Rodrigo Duterte and to PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde, resquesting that Torre will be replaced from his post.

The resolution — authored by Councilor Rey James Uy during the regular session on Monday presided by Vice Mayor Diego Rivera — was approved by six members, including the proponent, namely: Councilors Charlito Coñejos, Rosalia Chuca, Sylvan Joseph Ayong, Billy Martires, and Cesar Sabenecio.

Those who voted against the measure were Councilors Jeffrey Bernate, Minda Pasacas, and ABC President and ex-officio Councilor Fernando Gaspan, while Councilor Aquilina Sabi abstained. Absent during the session were Councilors Alex Gelera, Abbie Yrigon, and Jessie Jackson.

Part of the resolution reads: “… Torre III failed to effectively perform his duties and responsibilities being such as he unsuccessfully prevent crimes and effect the arrest of identified criminals who gave imminent threats or danger to the populace particularly residents of Calbayog City;

Torre III “is allegedly engaged in a partisan political activity when he provides services only to a well-known political personality in the province of Samar. His police service … particularly in the City of Calbayog is tainted with doubt as to his campaign against crimes and maintain peace and order flunk with the recent heinous killing in Brgy. Catabunan, Oquendo District, Calbayog City.”

The PB also cited the “barbaric beheading of farmer at Barangay San Jose including the continuous threat and intimidation from identified criminal elements in the barangays at Happy Valley areas, and the increasing unsolved crimes in the city.”

It added that “the people of Calbayog City lose its trust and confidence over the police service of Torre and resolved to express their sentiments by declaring him as ‘persona non-grata.’”

Earlier, Calbayog Mayor Ronaldo Aquino endorsed to the PB the adoption of such resolution as “an important mechanism to appraise Pres. Duterte and the entire PNP about the current peace and order situation in the city, including the continues (sic) threat and intimidation from the armed group and the increasing number of unresolved crimes in the city.”

When asked about the PB action, Torre told The Freeman yesterday that the Police Regional Office-8 and his office at SPPO has yet to receive the copy of the resolution.

Torre however threatened to file cases at the Ombudsman against the members of the City Council, “if they failed to prove their allegations,” against him. (FREEMAN)