Residents oppose mayor’s bid to have police chief replaced

GARCHITORENA, Camarines Sur—Displeased by their mayor’s attempt to replace the local chief of police, a group of local residents backed by their parish priest in this municipality have started a petition  opposing the local chief executive’s action.

The open letter, which has been circulating in town’s 23 barangays (districts or villages) since November 1, is asking townsfolk to back the retention of Inspector Manuel D. Sarmiento as municipal chief of police and for Mayor Solon Demetriou Jr. to withdraw his request for the Provincial Police Office of Camarines Sur to replace Sarmiento.

Garchitorena’s Sacred Heart Church parish priest, Fr. Felix Abaño, speaking on behalf of the residents, said Tuesday that local residents were generally pleased with Sarmiento’s performance since he assumed office in May this year and unhappy with the news that he might be replaced  next month by virtue of an impending formal relief order from Chief Superintendent Cecilio Calleja Jr., the regional police director.

The over 200 residents who have so far signed the petition apparently disagree  with Demetriou’s claim that Sarmiento, who happens to be a native of Garchitorena,  needs to be replaced due to alleged extortion activities.

Abaño said the residents of Garchitorena have no intention to offend or question the leadership of their mayor by circulating the petition.

He said there was nothing political behind the petition and that residents wished only to point out to their leaders that Sarmiento has initiated changes which have led to the improvement of peace and order in the municipality.

He added that Sarmiento’s strict implementation of regular checkpoints, patrols and improved police visibility during special events and even on regular days have brought down the incidence of such crimes as physical injuries, illegal fishing and petty robbery.

He also commended Sarmiento for bringing the policemen under him closer to the God and mandating that they wear their uniforms to Sunday Mass and provide security during Church-related activities.

Police Officer 1 Rodel Zaballa, spokesman of the Garchitorena police, said Tuesday that he could not see any reason for Sarmiento to be relieved from his post especially since he has selflessly shelled out his own money for the renovation, repainting and furnishing of the municipal police station and the acquisition of Internet connection, and new mobile phones and SIM cards that police personnel were now using as official hotlines.

Muriel Berunio, former head of the town’s social welfare office and a signatory to the petition, said he believed that Sarmiento deserves to stay because she saw the difference that his strict leadership brought about in the general peace in the barangays and protection of the surrounding waters of Garchitorena, which used to be plagued with illegal fishermen from different provinces in Bicol.

Under Sarmiento’s leadership, illegal fishing almost became non- existent, with only three such cases brought to court this year, he noted.

Despite all these glowing praises, the executive assistant to the mayor, Erasmo Bombase, maintained that some residents had accused Sarmiento of extorting money from criminals in exchange for letting them off the hook.

He added that the mayor has ordered the municipal councilors to perform an in-depth inquiry into this allegation, but no results have come out.

He said that Sarmiento was also accused of meddling in political matters in Garchitorena by certain politicians and by Demetriou himself.

Sarmiento, reached by phone on Thursday, denied involvement in any illegal activities but stressed he was ready to leave his post if he receives a relief order.

He confirmed to Inquirer that he was waiting for a formal relief order from his superiors after Calleja told him of Demetriou’s request.