Binay to file contempt raps vs NCRPO

There’s no stopping Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. from taking over the reins of revenue-rich Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City—not even the police.

Binay said he would file contempt charges against Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr. and other officers of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) for their refusal to comply with the Court of Appeals ruling on July 30 returning the jurisdiction over the inner Fort to his city.

“We will take them to court. The NCRPO is duty-bound to enforce the decision of the Court of Appeals. Their refusal to do so can be seen as open defiance of the court,” Binay said in a statement.

NCRPO deputy director for administration Chief Supt. Pat Hernandez was quoted as saying on Wednesday that Fort Bonifacio, including Bonifacio Global City (BGC), would remain under the control of the Taguig City police, pending a directive from the Philippine National Police.

NCRPO spokesperson Chief Insp. Robert Domingo also confirmed the announcement, saying they would observe the status quo.

In a related development, patrolling Makati policemen arrested on Wednesday a member of Taguig’s civilian unit Public Order and Safety Office (Poso) at Bonifacio Global City for allegedly carrying an unlicensed firearm.

Makati police chief Senior Supt. Manuel Lukban said they responded to reports that a Poso member took down banners and confiscated a mobile phone of a Makati employee who was installing posters and banners.

While searching for the Taguig employee, they accosted another Poso member carrying a firearm without the necessary papers.

Both the Taguig and Makati police refused to release the names of the Poso personnel.

In a statement, Kim Pautin, officer in charge of the Taguig Poso, said: “Acts of impropriety and misconduct are not tolerated. If our personnel are guilty of such, then let the ax fall where it must.”

Pautin, however, said reports reaching their office showed that Makati personnel crossed the boundary line and attempted to install banners in Taguig territory.

He added that they received reports that Makati policemen also went beyond their jurisdiction by making an arrest within the area of the Taguig police.

But for Makati officials, the decision of the court was clear. “The injunction order has been lifted. Makati can now resume exercising its jurisdiction over the area,” Binay said.