Sunday, January 21, 2007 Metro Manila local chief execs hit police assault on Iloilo Capitol
THE Metro Manila Mayors’ League (MMLL) has condemned the siege by PNP members on the Iloilo Provincial Capitol last Wednesday after a tense stand-off between dismissed governor Niel Tupaz and the authorities saying that it destroyed the country's image before the world.
MMLL president and Manila Mayor Jose “Lito” Atienza said the police displayed "arrogance of power" when they assaulted the building despite the pleas of Tupas for the law enforcers until the court acts on his petition filed before the Court of Appeals (CA) in Cebu city seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO).
"There was really an arrogant use of power here and I can understand the feelings of my fellow mayors because I myself feel the same way," said Atienza, who is a close administration ally.
He added that the incident beamed round the clock by the media overshadowed the positive reviews gained by the country after it successfully hosted the recently concluded 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nation [Asean] summit in Cebu.
“With the international press showing the incident to the world, the image of our country was stained," added Atienza.
Video footage of the incident showed heavily armed police commandos from the 6th Regional Mobile Group (RMG) and other police units smashing the building's glass doors and barricaded gates to gain entry while poking their rifles on Tupas’ family members and supporters.
He likewise called for a thorough investigation on the incident, particularly the police officers who might have abused their authority during the operation.
Police Chief Oscar Calderon earlier ordered a formal investigation into the incident while the Senate committees on public order and on local governments are set to look into siege also.
Atienza asked the President to investigate if there was abuse committed in the suspension and dismissal of local executives.
United Opposition (UNP) president and Makati City mayor Jejomar Binay said local executives from both parties should join hands in condemning what he called as "midnight massacre" of elected officials.
He challenged the Ombudsman to suspend officials allied with the administration, adding that the cases lodged against them are languishing as compared to those filed against those with the opposition. (AH/Sunnex)
