Aquino orders charges vs. Lim, Ombudsman and police officials
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By Thea Alberto
Yahoo! Southeast Asia
President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has ordered that administrative charges be filed against police officials and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, among others for “incompetence” and “neglect of duty” during the Quirino hostage crisis that left eight tourists from Hong Kong dead.
In a press briefing Monday, Aquino announced that those he wants charged before the National Police Commission are:
- P/Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay for gross incompetence and serious neglect of duty (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);
- Police Director Leocadio Santiago Jr. for less grave neglect of duty (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);
- P/Supt. Orlando Yebra for neglect of duty (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);
- Police Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual III for gross incompetence (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules)
Aquino also wants Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim charged before the Department of Interior and Local Government for “misconduct in office and simple neglect,” under Sec. 60 of the Local Government Code.
Administrative charges will also be filed against Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzales III for neglect of duty and inefficiency in the performance of official duty (under Rule XIV, Sec. 22 of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of E.O. 292 and other pertinent civil service laws, rules and regulations) and gross misconduct (under Sec. 3 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).
Aquino said he would also refer the IIRC report to the House of Representatives for appropriate action against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. He said he also tasked the Department of Justice to expedite the resolution of disobedience and conspiracy case against SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, the brother of hostage taker Rodolfo Mendoza.
Warning to media
For media, Aquino said no charges would be filed against RMN news anchors Michael Rogas and Erwin Tulfo but he described their behaviors as “irresponsible, bordering on the criminal.”
Rogas was the news anchor when the hostage taker aired his rants over RMN, which Aquino said practically “interfered in the negotiations and effectively aided and supported the hostage taker by giving him a platform to air his demands.”
Meanwhile, Tulfo “by his admission” violated police instructions.
“We expect this kind of unprofessional behavior not to be repeated again, or we could be compelled to ask Congress for appropriate regulations to protect the safety of the public, our security forces and media itself,” Aquino warned.
No charges vs. Verzosa, Robredo, Puno
Aquino opted to admonish and not recommend charges against DILG Acting Secretary Jesse Robredo and Undersecretary Rico Puno.
“I have also admonished Secretary Robredo and Undersecretary Puno for failing to uphold the high standards of performance that I demand from them. I sat them down last night. The outcome was a commitment for more professionalism, starting with their acting as one,” said Aquino.
Aquino said he would also be keeping Robredo and Puno in their posts despite the controversies hounding them because of the expertise in public service.
Meanwhile, no charges will be filed against then PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa.
“Did he violate anything? After the review, we cannot find the same,” said AquinoRepoted From Thea Alberto of Yahoo! Southeast Asia
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