|
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Calderon replaces prison chief
MANILA -- Malacañang on Wednesday ordered the relief of prisons chief General Ricardo Dapat in the wake of the "escape" of convicted child rapist and former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos from the National Bilibid Prisons (NBP) last December 22.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez announced that retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Oscar Calderon will be officially taking over as acting Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director.
Post your comments here on the Makati siege
"Upon instructions of the President, I have installed General Calderon as acting director of the Bureau of Corrections vice General Dapat," Gonzalez said, adding that the recent developments "speak for themselves."
He underscored that Dapat's relief was the result of the President's prerogative.
Gonzalez pointed out that even though Dapat has been ordered relieved by the President, he and the other BuCor officials remain under investigation for Jalosjos's "escape."
"Notwithstanding that he was relieved, we are still investigating him. We might suspend some of them (BuCor officials) in the next few days, but we cannot also suspend everybody, otherwise there will be no more staff left in the bureau, which is very critical, considering the number of prisoners inside (NBP)," he said.
Dapat has accepted his relief "like a good soldier," Gonzalez said of Dapat who told him that he wanted to air his side of the "escape" incident.
"He (Dapat) said that he is also a good soldier. But he also said that he wants to speak. Maybe he wants to explain himself," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez added: "It is very important that the President has made her decision and called General Calderon from retirement. Luckily, he has not entirely retired yet. He is answering the call of duty once more."
Asked by reporters if he would order the return of Jalosjos back to the NBP from the San Ramon Penal Colony in Zamboanga City where he is now being detained, Gonzalez said he is still studying the matter.
"We will decide that later. I am still making consultations. But in my personal view, he should be returned (to the NBP). If he is to be transferred to a colony, it should be the (NBP) director to transfer him. It is within the executive powers of the director," he said.
He also said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking into the living condition and privileges of Jalosjos inside the NBP to determine if any abuses have been committed.
Gonzalez said the DOJ would also wait for whatever the court will say on the writ of habeas corpus filed by Jalosjos, adding that the convicted former lawmaker should have filed a writ of amparo instead.
"We will wait for whatever the court will say. Dapat writ of amparo na nga ang ipini-file nya (he should have filed a writ of amparo)," he said.
For his part, Calderon said he intends to steer the BuCor to "greater heights."
"I will do my best to steer the BuCor to greater heights. I am taking over BuCor at this time of the year. This shows the urgency of the job. Like a good soldier being called to service, I am bringing with me my 38 years of experience in the police," he told reporters.
When asked if he intends to order the immediate return of Jalosjos to the NBP, Calderon said all orders will be emanating from the Justice Secretary. (PNA)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Iloilo. (December 27, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Police official says holiday in Cebu 'bloody'