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Friday, September 16, 2005
Editorial: No sweeping under the rug
WE COULD understand in part the hesitation of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail (MOPJ) in filing charges against its former chief, Dante Cabanlas, for the latter's supposed involvement in that "impromptu" shooting incident at the Xavier University covered court sometime last month.
For those unfamiliar about the case here's a quick synopsis: former MOPJ chief Cabanlas is said to have been tipsy when he fired some shots and then made a snappy salute to some frightened XU alumni which included among others judges and some of the top lawyers and businessmen in Cagayan de Oro.
To his credit Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, brother of Dante Cabanlas, vowed not to interfere in the case. Dante then managed to post bail and has yet to be filed charges in relation to the case.
As we said we could understand the MOPJ's hesitation owing to the fact that as former boss Cabanlas still has some measure of respect from people he worked with.
Then again, being the brother of a councilor does have its advantages because it carries some weight whether one likes to admit it or not.
It is after all a matter of jurisdiction since Cabanlas had been transferred to the Pelaez Sports Center as a "glorified security guard" there and that the center's manager, a certain Mr. Cinco is his direct supervisor.
But then again the MOPJ can always do on its own initiative help fasttrack the investigation by informing through a letter Mr. Cinco about the case and follow it up with documents regarding Cabanlas's previous record as MOPJ chief in which he allegedly made some accommodation to a former cop turned pusher during the latter's detention at the MOPJ.
Though this particular case is unrelated to the accusations of illegal possession of firearms and alarm Cabanlas is facing his record at the MOPJ would serve as the basis for determining the kind of official he is and help in part to bolster the case against him.
In pointing this out it must be reiterated that we have nothing personal against Dante Cabanlas; we only want that alleged abuses like those he is accused of committing be dealt with swiftly and decisively.
While there may be little or no amount of influence-peddling here the bureaucratic red tape and paperwork may eventually result in people forgetting all about the case thereby in effect allowing Cabanlas to get off scot-free.
That should not be allowed and the Civil Service Commission-10 (CSC-10) would do well to remind Mr. Cinco anew of his obligation to deal with Cabanlas's deeds as required by law.
(September 16, 2005 issue)
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