QuadComm cites Grijaldo in contempt, orders his arrest

The House Quad Committee (QuadComm) on Thursday cited Police Colonel Hector Grijaldo in contempt for repeatedly failing to show up in its inquiry. 

This, after Grijaldo has missed the probe at least four times, allegedly without a valid excuse.

The motion to cite Grijado in contempt was made by Taguig Representative Pam Zamora, saying Grijaldo’s excuse of having a shoulder injury is not a valid reason for not showing up repeatedly.

“Sorry, Mr. Chair. I think we’ve given him enough leeway. It is the right time to make an appropriate motion. Sumosobra na siya,” Zamora said.

(He has pushed his limit.)

“I believe this is his fourth time to skip the QuadComm. But during the Senate hearing, he does not have a rotator cuff syndrome,” she added.

House QuadComm lead chairperson Ace Barbers approved Zamora’s motion after all members duly seconded the motion.

Grijaldo earlier accused the QuadComm of forcing him to confirm the testimony of retired police Colonel Royina Garma tagging President Rodrigo Duterte of ordering drug war deaths and implementing a reward system of rewarding police officials per drug suspect killed.

Garma’s camp denied Grijaldo’s allegation, saying that Quad Comm never coerced Grijaldo to make such confirmation. 

During Thursday’s hearing, the House QuadComm also adopted the motion issuing a warrant of arrest to Grijaldo and ordering his detention in Batasang Pambansa until the QuadComm terminates its ongoing inquiry.

Administrative case

Meanwhile, PNP Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU) head Police Colonel Rowena Acosta disclosed during the hearing that Grijaldo is already facing a neglect of duty administrative case due to failure to report to work, including showing up before a legislative inquiry.

“Last November 26, the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management informed us that they are currently conducting a pre-charge investigation and administrative case of neglect of duty regarding his absence [before the QuadComm] last November 7,” Acosta said.

“When he again failed to appear on November 27, another notice to explain was issued, and the case was referred to the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management,” Acosta added.

Acosta also disclosed that Grijaldo was given 10 days to submit a counter-affidavit as part of the pre-charge evaluation.

—VAL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News