PNP chief says claims vs Marikina mayor ‘verified’

PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde on Thursday lashed back at Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, saying the claims of Marikina’s chief of police against the mayor are “verified.”

Albayalde said he was not merely creating an issue but only reacting to complaints against the mayor coming from his subordinates.

“Verified naman eh. No less than the director ng NCRPO [National Capital Region Police Office], no less than the chief of police, and no less than the Eastern Police [District] director ang nagsabi dito, and they made a black and white report,” he said in a chance interview at Camp Crame.

Albayalde also rebutted the claim of Teodoro who said that he had already talked with acting Marikina City police chief Col. Redrico Maranan regarding the alleged withholding of support from the local government to the city police.

READ: Marikina City Mayor slammed for not supporting cops

Albayalde said he personally spoke with Maranan, who denied he and the mayor already met and talked about the issue.

“Hindi po totoo na nakipag-usap na siya sa chief of police doon,” Albayalde said.

The PNP chief also dismissed Teodoro’s claim that the accusations were only due to miscommunication between him and Maranan.

“Sa kanya iyan. It’s up to him,” Albayalde said.

Based on the official report of NCRPO director Major General Guillermo Eleazar to Albayalde, Teodoro allegedly withheld the support to the Marikina City police, including the move to reduce the funds for gas allocation for police vehicles. 

The mayor also allegedly banned the police to join the regular Monday flag-raising ceremony at the city’s freedom park, Eleazar said.

Albayalde earlier said the mayor’s actions were probably a response for not being informed that former Marikina City police chief Col. Roger Quesada was assigned to another post and that Maranan was instead installed.

Teodoro has been denying the allegations, calling it “unfair” and “very ridiculous.” /jpv

READ: Marikina City Mayor says PNP accusation ‘unfair, ridiculous’