PRO-7Chief Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador believes SPO1 Adonis Dumpit would be an asset to the PNP if he is reinstated to the police force. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
THE return of SPO1 Adonis Dumpit to the police force could greatly help in their campaign against criminality and lawless elements.
Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said officers like Dumpit are needed on the ground to fight off criminals. “Ang tanang police nga madugang sa ato kay dakong tabang especially katong police nga dili mahadlok makigbatok sa mga kriminal (All policemen added to our force are of great help especially those who aren’t afraid to stand against criminals),” Comendador told reporters yesterday.
Dumpit, a highly controversial and decorated policeman, was convicted by the Regional Trial Court of homicide for the death of robbery suspect Ronron Allosada Go in Barangay Tejero in December 2004. He was then a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the Cebu City police force.
The Court of Appeals granted his Petition for Bail, pending appeal as he had already served the minimum period of his sentence and exhibited good behavior while in detention.
But Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama does not believe crimes will lessen if Dumpit returns to the police force.
While refusing the comment further on Dumpit’s impending temporary release from jail, he said, “Vigilantism never goes well in a civil society.”
Dumpit had been linked to extra-judicial killings of criminals, although the allegations were never proven.
PRAISES
In fact Dumpit had received several commendations for his successes in fighting criminality.
“Based on what I saw in Dumpit back when he was still starting as a PO1, I was his trainer, in one of the scout trainings and I was able to witness how hardworking and courageous he was in the performance on his job,” said Comendador. He said in order to fight lawless elements, more police officers are needed to be on the field, not just desk policemen who file reports. “Assuming that the administrative case has been dismissed, there is no reason that he cannot go back to police service,” said Comendador. Dumpit’s lawyers are now processing the requirements for him to post bail. Lawyers
Bejamin Militar and Pedro Leslie Salva were scheduled to leave for Abuyog, Leyte yesterday where the Leyte Regional Prison where Dumpit is detained is located.
As of press time, it was uncertain whether Dumpit was released yesterday.
Incoming Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he will take in Dumpit as his aide once he is released on bail.
REINSTATEMENT
Comendador, however, said that if Dumpit is reinstated, he would have to report back to PRO-7 office to determine which post will he assume. In an earlier interview, Senior Supt. Benjamin Santos, director of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said he is willing to take Dumpit back to SWAT, a post
Dumpit held before his imprisonment in February, 2010.
Asked for comment on Osmeña’s intent on taking in Dumpit as his aide, Comendador said he will have to wait for a request from Osmeña himself.
“We will cross the bridge when we get there. If there’s a request, I see no reason why I should stop him,” said Comendador.