NAPOLCOM suspends arrested Pampanga mayor’s police powers

The National Police Commission has suspended the police powers and control over the town of arrested San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr.

In a statement Friday, NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan issued the order following Punsalan’s arrest in an entrapment operation by the National Bureau of Investigation for allegedly accepting part of an P80 million bribe in exchange for a favorable resolution from the local government.

Aside from this, Calinisan also ordered a motu proprio probe for a “full revocation” of the police supervision and control powers of mayors in their respective areas.

“In line with this, NAPOLCOM Chief Commissioner Calinisan directed the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to conduct a motu proprio (on its own initiative) investigation toward the full revocation of the authority granted by NAPOLCOM to Local Chief Executives (LCEs) to exercise operational supervision and control over the police force within their jurisdiction,” the Commission said.

The NAPOLCOM noted that these powers include police operations, police personnel assignment, safety plans, and selection of chief of police based on legal qualifications.

“Under the law, mayors and governors are automatically considered representatives of NAPOLCOM to perform these duties, even without a formal oath-taking,” Calinisan said.

“Their responsibilities also include overseeing police performance, supporting police seminars and training, and formulating plans for community public safety,” he added—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News