Tuesday, November 27, 2007 Police chief stands by cop’s claim about operation; VM seeks inquiry on Sunday accident
CEBU City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador stands by his men’s claim that they were on a legitimate car chase when the Toyota Innova patrol car crashed into a Volkswagen Beetle Sunday morning.
Comendador sought advice from the legal department but said they are allowed to go against the traffic if they do so in the performance of official duties.
He also does not believe they should be made to pay for hospital bills and the damage incurred on the vehicle belonging to Franz Josef Villalonga. Franz’s wife Vanessa was also injured.
The Villalongas were on their way to a fastfood outlet on Osmeña Blvd. when the Innova came heading their way.
Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama asked a member of his staff to check on the circumstances of the vehicular accident.
Assistant
Rama also checked what assistance City Hall can extend give to the Villalonga couple.
“This is not the first time it happened. Let’s wait first for the report before we decide what to do because we want to know first who is liable,” he said.
During his news conference yesterday, the vice mayor told his staffer to check with the policemen why and how their hot pursuit ended in the accident outside the Fuente Osmeña circle.
He specifically asked his staff member to check who was on the right lane and who was not, and if it was necessary to ram into an approaching vehicle to get to the armed person the policemen were running after.
In a separate interview, Comendador said police vehicles will always be prone to accidents.
“Accidents are bound to happen. I see no reason to be concerned except for the repair of the vehicle,” he told reporters.
He noted that in some countries like the United States, bumpers of police vehicles were modified because in some cases, they purposely hit vehicles they are chasing to stop them.
He said they will conduct an investigation, which is standard procedure, but initially, he said it was obvious that PO2 Norman Patindol was doing his job.
Chase
But just to be sure, he directed Mobile Patrol Group Chief Arnel Banzon to coordinate with legal officers to see if they have any liability in the accident.
Comendador explained that while they are concerned with the damage and injuries caused as a result of the accident, they also cannot ignore the chase.
He also urged drivers to be very cautious on the road once they hear sirens.
Police Regional Office 7 Director Ronald Roderos is requiring Comendador to submit a written report on the accident. (MEA/LCR)
