Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella. CDN Digital Photo | Morexette Marie Erram (file photo)
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Victims of maltreatment from police or any other enforcer can file complaints at the Cebu City Legal Office.
This was the statement of Mayor Edgardo Labella after a policeman was relieved in the Carbon Police Station for allegedly paddling a porter who was apprehended for violating the health protocols.
Labella said that he had always been proud of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) for maintaining order in the city without resorting to extrajudicial killings.
Read: Carbon Market porter paddled by police, Ligan relieves involved enforcer
However, the reports that a policeman have been allegedly physically harassing residents who violated the health protocols did not sit well with the mayor.
He said that policemen must never conscientiously harm a violator as punishment because the law protects the human rights of every citizen.
“I believe in the integrity of the Philippine Police. To the police, maintain your composure, you are officers of the law. You are supposed to protect our citizenry, not harass our citizenry.”
Look: Mayor Labella on alleged police harassment on Carbon porter
With this, Labella urged the victims to come forward and file complaints at the City Legal Office.
Labella instructed City Legal Officer Rey Gealon to accomodate those who wish to complain for physical harassment by police officers and by other enforcers.
“I will never tolerate that. I encourage those affected, you go straight to the City Legal Office. Akong giinstructionan si Attorney Rey Gealon. Motubag gyod na siya kung kinsa tong naay reklamo sa police. Di nato mahimog pasagdan,” said the mayor.
(I will never tolerate that. I encourage those affected, you go straight to the City Legal Office. I have instructed Attorney Rey Gealon. He will assist those who have complaints against the police. We cannot leave this issue alone.)
The mayor said that although he trusts that CCPO director, Police Colonel Josefino Ligan, to investigate the incident, considering that the alleged perpetrator is from their organization, there might be conflict of interest.
Instead of directing them to the police, the mayor wants the complainant to seek the help of City Legal Office or even the Office of the Ombudsman.
The mayor assured the public that the city government would not tolerate abuses from its enforcers from whatever rank or office.
Yet the mayor also assured that due process would be accorded to those who will be facing complaints. /dbs