THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) has stripped the San Simon, Pampanga local government unit (LGU) of its police powers following the arrest of its mayor, Abundio Punsalan Jr., over extortion allegations.
In a statement, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said that under the law, mayors and governors are automatically considered Napolcom representatives, allowing them to exercise operational supervision and control over the police force within their jurisdiction even without a formal oath-taking.
He said the authority of LGUs and their officials includes the power to issue directives on police operations, assign police personnel, develop safety plans, and select a chief of police based on legal qualifications.
“Their responsibilities also include overseeing police performance, supporting police seminars and training, and formulating plans for community public safety,” said Calinisan.
Calinisan also directed the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to conduct a motu proprio investigation toward the full revocation of the authority granted by Napolcom to the Local Chief Executives of San Simon.
On Tuesday, August 5, Punsalan was arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly accepting part of an P80-million bribe in exchange for a favorable resolution from the local government, as alleged by the complainant Realsteel Corporation. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)