Marikina mayor open to ‘impartial’ probe over ‘curbed’ LGU support to cops

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro on Wednesday said he is open “to a fair and impartial” investigation into accusations he cut local government’s support to the city police.

Teodoro in a statement sent to reporters via text asserted that the local government has actually provided support to the Marikina City police — “more than what is legally required,” refuting allegations he has curbed assistance to local policemen.

He then chided the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership’s statements, saying the issue was merely “an intrigue brought about by local dynamics blown out of proportion.”

“Mayor Teodoro is open to a fair and impartial probe. Mayor Teodoro is open to the opportunity to present the facts, and show that what has been provided by the city government  in support of the Marikina PNP (Philippine National Police) is more than what is legally required,” he said.

Among others, Teodoro is being accused of withholding gasoline supply for police mobiles after he was not informed that then Marikina City Police chief Col. Roger Quesada has been replaced by acting chief, Col. Redrico Maranan. Quesada has been moved to a new position.

For PNP, Teodoro’s actions were “childish.”

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said he will order an investigation into the matter.

But Teodoro said: “The PNP should be circumspect in their statements given the stature of the Chief PNP, in order not to put the city in the bad light.  This is an intrigue brought about by local dynamics blown out of proportion. The PNP Chief should have at least verified the claims relayed to him before rushing into judgment.” /kga