Cop told: Explain why you’re late for school duty?

A CEBU City policeman is in hot water for reporting late in Oplan Balik Eskwela, a police program aimed to provide security for last Monday’s resumption of classes.

PO3 Neil Dicdican of the Fuente Police Station, was not at his post at the City Central School when Chief Supt. Danilo Constantino, director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), arrived for inspection.

An irked Constantino immediately ordered the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to conduct an investigation to determine why Dicdican was not around.

Chief Insp. Aileen Recla, chief IDMB, said Dicdican could face an administrative investigation for simple neglect of duty.

Recla said Dicdican was supposed to be in his post at 7 a.m. but he arrived two hours late.

In explaining why he was late, Dicdican said he got caught in traffic when he left home in Minglanilla town.

Recla said Dicdican’s case should serve as a warning for other policemen.

“Getting caught in traffic is not enough reason to be late,” said Recla.

Under the rules of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), Dicdican’s case should be resolved by his station commander, said Recla.

Recla said the offense could lead to Dicdican’s suspension or forfeiture of his allowance. /CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON