Head of C. Mindanao highway cops fired for using stolen cars

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The chief of the police’s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in Central Mindanao was sacked over allegations he and his men used stolen vehicles during anticar theft operations in the region.

On Feb. 17, a resident here sued Senior Supt. Jaime Macarilay at the Ombudsman for alleged violation of the antifencing law.

The complainant, who requested that he not be named in news reports, said Macarilay violated the law when he and his men used recovered stolen vehicles in their daily operations in the region.

Macarilay had turned down an Inquirer request for interview although he earlier denied any wrongdoing.

But Sarangani Gov. Miguel Dominguez said he has also seen HPG operatives using private vehicles at a checkpoint in Malungon town.

On Monday, the HPG main office removed Macarilay from HPG Central Mindanao and told him to report to Manila. The order was signed by lawyer Fortunato Guerrero, HPG chief of personnel. The order also named Senior Supt. Romeo Campomanes as new HPG regional chief.

“This will serve as a lesson to other high-ranking government officials that they should exude high standard of moral conduct while doing their duty,” Dominguez said in reaction to Macarilay’s relief.

Local businessmen, who accused Macarilay of harassment, said they welcomed the relief of the HPG chief.

“I am glad that the police hierarchy has relieved him,” said businessman Mohamad Aquia.

Joey Salangsang, another businessman, recounted what he said was his harrowing experience in the hands of Macarilay.

On Feb. 8, Salangsang said, Macarilay and his men came to the businessman’s house on Feb. 8 supposedly to check the papers of his Hyundai Starex van. Aquiles Z. Zonio, Inquirer Mindanao