Abalos tasks Napolcom to initiate proceedings that would strip Tarlac mayor of police powers

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos has ordered the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to initiate the proceedings that could strip Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo the power over the police force in her town.

As local chief executives, mayors and governors are empowered to exercise supervision and control over the Philippine National Police (PNP) units in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Both the mayors and governors are also deputized as representatives of the Napolcom but there are also rules that may lead to the revocation of their police powers.

This is what Abalos wants the Napolcom to look into in the case of Guo who was accused of having links with the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her town.

“I have instructed the Napolcom to issue proceedings for the withdrawal of the Mayor’s police deputization. This means that after the investigation and if of course if there are sufficient grounds, we will withdraw the deputization of Mayor Guo,” said Abalos,

He said this includes the revocation of all the privileges of Guo to supervise and control of the police force in Bamban town.

Guo was linked to alleged POGO operation in her hometown after an electric bill and a car registered under her name were allegedly recovered when police raided the POGO establishment.

In a Senate probe, lawmakers also questioned the nationality of Guo.

Guo, on the other hand, denied the allegations aganst her. — Aaron Recuenco