CHIEF Insp. Wildemar Tiu, the controversial police official, may not be inactive for a long time after all.
Chief Supt. Prudencio Tom Bañas, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7, plans to tap Tiu’s services for the security preparations for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Senior Officials’ Meeting this year.
As for the Apec’s security plan, Bañas said PRO Eastern Visayas is willing to augment PRO 7 forces with 1,500 personnel.
Bañas said 3,200 delegates will attend the meetings from August to October this year.
The delegates will include high-ranking Philippine and Asia-Pacific officials, together with ambassadors of Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan and New Zealand.
Tiu voluntarily left his post as chief of Cebu City Police Station 2 (formerly Fuente Police Station) last June 3, just hours after he reported to work after his vacation abroad.
Tiu has been dragged into the death of 11-year-old street child Chastity Mirabiles, who was allegedly mauled inside Station 2 last April 5, Easter Sunday. The girl died the following day.
Tiu has denied that he and his personnel were involved in the girl’s death.
Bañas said he may assign Tiu at the operations unit of PRO 7.
Relieved
Meanwhile, Bañas announced that Negros Oriental Police Office (NOPPO) officer-in-charge, Senior Supt. Mariano Natuel was relieved by Camp Crame yesterday. He was replaced by Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos.
New assignment
The reassignment was signed by Police Director Eslava Aquino Jr., chief of Personnel and Records Management. The reason for Natuel’s relief was not stated in the order.
With his relief, Natuel will report to work at PRO 7’s administration and holding center at Camp Sergio Osmeña in Cebu City starting today. Bañas, however, said they will look for a new post for Natuel.
During his press conference with reporters yesterday, Bañas spoke highly of Natuel, saying the latter had a good track record as the head of NOPPO and embarked on an aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.
“He had good results in his campaign (against illegal drugs),” he said.
Natuel has served as former director of the police offices in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City, and once headed the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of PRO 7.