Friday, February 09, 2007
Ombudsman hears Tupases on Capitol siege
By Lory Ann B. Bilbao
THE Ombudsman-Visayas has held its preliminary hearing on possible lapses of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in implementing its dismissal decision against Governor Niel Tupas Sr. in January 17.
Overall, Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro last Wednesday conducted an ocular inspection on the Capitol as the initial part of the probe.
Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Virginia Palanca Santiago said the PNP was not authorized to use excessive force in implementing the decision of the recommendatory body.
With the allegations and media reports of an overkill, the Ombudsman, she said, has to look over what has happened on January 17, when the members of the PNP tried to bodily took out Tupas from the Capitol.
On the first day of hearing, Tupas and his three children who stood as witnesses of the siege were present -- Board Member Niel Tupas Jr., Mayor Raul Tupas, and Nielette Tupas Balleza.
Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada and two respondents of the administrative cases, decided for dismissal -- Board Member Cecilia Capadosa and Domingo Oso Jr. -- were also present.
They manifested an affidavit accounting the event where the PNP used unnecessary force and hurt civilians.
On Friday, it would be the turn of the DILG officers and PNP men to state their side before the Ombudsman.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. was also invited to the Ombudsman's hearing.
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Davao. (February 9, 2007 issue)
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