NEGROS ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVES, INC.
Province of Negros Occidental
c/o Mayor’s Office, Municipality of E.B. Magalona
Tel. No. (034) 4765119
=====================================
RESOLUTION NO. 10
Series of 2011
RESOLUTION STRONGLY OPPOSING THE DIRECTIVE SUSPENDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL OVER THE LCOAL PNP OF ESCALANTE CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL IMPOSED ON MAYOR MELECIO J. YAP, JR. WHICH WAS HASTILY DONE WITHOUT DUE PROCESS AND INVESTIGATION
WHEREAS, on July 15, 2011 the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) issued a resolution order suspending the administrative and operational control of Escalante City Mayor Melecio J. Yap, Jr. over the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the local government unit;
WHEREAS, it appears that the suspension was hastily promulgated based on unverified report leveled at Mayor Yap since he has not received official copies of complaints filed against him purporting “his close association with the New People’s Army,” and alleged extra-judicial killings that occurred in Escalante City;
WHEREAS, the League of Municipalities/Negros Association of Chief Executive (LMP-ACE) view this development as a dangerous precedent that could befall a city/municipality in that the NAPOLCOM can arbitrarily take away his supervision and control over the local police based on unfounded and flimsy allegations of unknown personalities;
WHEREAS, the same situation could place in quandary to any local chief executive who has been granted supervisory and administrative control over the police; and therefore seeks clarification on the obtaining situation;
WHEREFORE, by Unanimous Consent the League of Municipalities – Negros Association of Chief Executive (LMP-ACE);
RESOLVES AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED strongly opposing the directive suspending the administrative and operational control over the local PNP of Escalance City, Negros Occidental imposed on Mayor Melecio J. Yap, Jr. which was hastily done without due process and investigation;
RESOLVED FURTHER that copies of this resolution are immediately furnished:
1. PCSUPT. CIRPIANO E. QUIROL, JR.
Regional Director, PRO6
Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City
2. SSUPT. ALLAN C. GUISIHAN
Provincial Police Director, PNP
NOPPO Camp Alfredo Montelibano, Bacolod City
3. HON. JESSE M. ROBREDO
Secretary, DILG and
Chairman, National Police Commission
Carried by the vote of:
AFFIRMATIVE : Unanimous
NEGATIVE : None
ABSTAINED : None
COMMENT : Passed
Done and dated this 19th day of August, 2011 at Bacolod City, Philippines.
===============
MARXLEN LAWRENCE J. DELA CRUZ
Secretary General, NEGROS ACE
Mayor – Municipality of DS Benedicto
DAVID ALBERT R. LACSON
President, NEGROS ACE
Mayor – Municipality of EB Magalona
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
official statement of the O. Carm. of Escalante City
The official statement of the Carmelite Friars of the Our lady of Mount Carmel College
----------
August 15, 2011
STATEMENT ON THE NAPOLCOM RESOLUTION SUSPENDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF MAYOR MELECIO YAP OVER THE POLICE STATION OF ESCALANTE CITY
Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed (Isaiah 56:1).
The Resolution for the suspension of the administrative and operational control of Mayor Melecio Yap of Escalante City, Negros Occidental by the NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION is indeed doing a gross injustice to the people of Escalante when it arbitrarily stripped Mayor Melecio Yap of his function as deputy of the NAPOLCOM to Escalante PNP station without giving him the benefit of an impartial and objective investigation upon arriving at a sound and credible resolution.
The action smacks with shame because it did not merit a full blown investigation. P/Supt. Querol used the Northern Negros Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (NNAHRA) and the communist issue to harass the mayor. But did the Investigating team or P/Supt. Querol bother to ask the church in Escalante to ferret out the truth? We do not know whether the NAPOLCOM and the supposed investigating team is aware that NNAHRA has a Carmelite priest as a chair, in the person of Fr. Gilbert Billena.
Further, NNHRA is also allied with the JPIC or Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation wherein Fr. Gilbert is also the National Convenor. It is linked also with the different religious congregations and also with the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP). If P/Supt.Querol, as stated in his report, is claiming that the NNAHRA is a communist group, thus, are they also claiming that Fr Billena, the JPIC National Convenor is likewise a communist?
If P/Supt.Querol sees red on NNAHRA, does it also follow that Mayor Melecio Yap has to be punished because he is supportive of its cause, especially in pursuing truth and justice? It is a known fact that Mayor Yap is very close to the peasants in Escalante. Does this mean that being supportive to the sector is aiding the communist?
It is demoralizing and disappointing to note how a general and gentleman, at that, would tend to forget the essential rights of an individual which manifest a free and democratic society – the very system that the National Police Commission and all police officers are bound to protect and uphold.
The NPA has already claimed responsibility to the extrajudicial killings to those who have blood-debts in Escalante. However, the losing politicians are using the hysteria to malign their political rivals through internet platforms like facebook and other social networking sites including print and broadcast media. Did the NAPOLCOM include this in the investigation?
Were the Human Rights group asked about these malicious allegations? Or for the benefit of having a thorough inquiry, the two parishes administered by the Carmelite Order who are evidently living witnesses of the true and real events in the city? Querol seems not mindful that the Carmelite has been serving Escalante for almost 50 years now.
We, the Carmelite Friars in Escalante City strongly condemned the NAPOLCOM Resolution. We see this as unfair and unjust. We are alarmed that by the act of tagging NNAHRA as a communist group, it consequently endanger the very life and security of our brother priest, Gilbert Billena, the Chairperson as well as Bernardino “Toto” Patigas, the Secretary General.
We also believed that the haste to punish Mayor Melecio Beboy Yap did not go through due process as mandated by our laws and constitution. The groundless, malicious accusation hurled against Mayor Beboy and NNAHRA is a grand design to destroy and put down the administration of Mayor Melecio Beboy Yap and also to stifle the NNAHRA’s advocacy for Justice and Human Rights.
ISSUED BY:
FR. JERRY SABADO, O. CARM
Parish Priest, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
Escalante City, Negros Occidental
FR. GILBERT BILLENA, O. CARM.
Parish Priest, Saint Francis of Asissi Parish
Old Poblacion, Escalante City, Negros Occidental
FR. GABRIEL DOLOTINA, O. CARM. D.M.EM.
Dean of Collage, Mount Carmel Collage
Escalante City, Negros Occidental
FR. HARRY BLOEM, O. CARM.
PRIOR- Carmelite Community ( Escalante)
Balintawak, Escalante City, Negros Occidental
----------
August 15, 2011
STATEMENT ON THE NAPOLCOM RESOLUTION SUSPENDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF MAYOR MELECIO YAP OVER THE POLICE STATION OF ESCALANTE CITY
Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed (Isaiah 56:1).
The Resolution for the suspension of the administrative and operational control of Mayor Melecio Yap of Escalante City, Negros Occidental by the NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION is indeed doing a gross injustice to the people of Escalante when it arbitrarily stripped Mayor Melecio Yap of his function as deputy of the NAPOLCOM to Escalante PNP station without giving him the benefit of an impartial and objective investigation upon arriving at a sound and credible resolution.
The action smacks with shame because it did not merit a full blown investigation. P/Supt. Querol used the Northern Negros Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (NNAHRA) and the communist issue to harass the mayor. But did the Investigating team or P/Supt. Querol bother to ask the church in Escalante to ferret out the truth? We do not know whether the NAPOLCOM and the supposed investigating team is aware that NNAHRA has a Carmelite priest as a chair, in the person of Fr. Gilbert Billena.
Further, NNHRA is also allied with the JPIC or Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation wherein Fr. Gilbert is also the National Convenor. It is linked also with the different religious congregations and also with the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP). If P/Supt.Querol, as stated in his report, is claiming that the NNAHRA is a communist group, thus, are they also claiming that Fr Billena, the JPIC National Convenor is likewise a communist?
If P/Supt.Querol sees red on NNAHRA, does it also follow that Mayor Melecio Yap has to be punished because he is supportive of its cause, especially in pursuing truth and justice? It is a known fact that Mayor Yap is very close to the peasants in Escalante. Does this mean that being supportive to the sector is aiding the communist?
It is demoralizing and disappointing to note how a general and gentleman, at that, would tend to forget the essential rights of an individual which manifest a free and democratic society – the very system that the National Police Commission and all police officers are bound to protect and uphold.
The NPA has already claimed responsibility to the extrajudicial killings to those who have blood-debts in Escalante. However, the losing politicians are using the hysteria to malign their political rivals through internet platforms like facebook and other social networking sites including print and broadcast media. Did the NAPOLCOM include this in the investigation?
Were the Human Rights group asked about these malicious allegations? Or for the benefit of having a thorough inquiry, the two parishes administered by the Carmelite Order who are evidently living witnesses of the true and real events in the city? Querol seems not mindful that the Carmelite has been serving Escalante for almost 50 years now.
We, the Carmelite Friars in Escalante City strongly condemned the NAPOLCOM Resolution. We see this as unfair and unjust. We are alarmed that by the act of tagging NNAHRA as a communist group, it consequently endanger the very life and security of our brother priest, Gilbert Billena, the Chairperson as well as Bernardino “Toto” Patigas, the Secretary General.
We also believed that the haste to punish Mayor Melecio Beboy Yap did not go through due process as mandated by our laws and constitution. The groundless, malicious accusation hurled against Mayor Beboy and NNAHRA is a grand design to destroy and put down the administration of Mayor Melecio Beboy Yap and also to stifle the NNAHRA’s advocacy for Justice and Human Rights.
ISSUED BY:
FR. JERRY SABADO, O. CARM
Parish Priest, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
Escalante City, Negros Occidental
FR. GILBERT BILLENA, O. CARM.
Parish Priest, Saint Francis of Asissi Parish
Old Poblacion, Escalante City, Negros Occidental
FR. GABRIEL DOLOTINA, O. CARM. D.M.EM.
Dean of Collage, Mount Carmel Collage
Escalante City, Negros Occidental
FR. HARRY BLOEM, O. CARM.
PRIOR- Carmelite Community ( Escalante)
Balintawak, Escalante City, Negros Occidental
Sunday, August 14, 2011
official statement of Mayor Melecio J. Yap, Jr.
Full text of the official statement issued by Mayor Melecio J. Yap, Jr. during his press conference at Kuppa Cafe, Bacolod City on August 13, 2011 at 2:00pm.
Press Conference at Kuppa Café
of MAYOR MELECIO J. YAP, JR.
August 13, 2011
2:00 pm
STATEMENT
Last Monday, August 8, 2011, I was taken aback when I received the Resolution to suspend and withdraw my deputation or my administrative control and operational supervision over the Escalante Police Station issued by the National Police Commission on July 15, 2011.
This came in during the time when I was anticipating for the supposed investigation to roll over so I’d be given the venue to explain my side and controvert the allegations that were raised against me.
I personally regarded this move as beneficial on my part since it is through this forum that I shall be given the opportunity to confront squarely and fairly all the charges and accusations which my political opponents have proliferated way back and even beyond election period.
Unfortunately, I have never been invited nor anybody from the investigating team has visited my office to give me such opportune time to defend myself and address these issues once and for all. I was not even FORMALLY informed of the existence of these complaints. It is when the series of events implicating people who are close to me began to surface when I have felt the pressure and eventually learned of these supposed investigation.
As we take a closer look on the premises considered in the Resolution, it appears that the investigation has not maximized nor explored all possible means to come up with a fair resolution, not even an impartial investigation. The “confidential report” of PRO 6 Regional Director PCSUPT CIPRIANO E. QUEROL, JR., AL HAJ formed an integral part of the resolution.
On my alleged close association and tactical alliance with Northern Negros Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (NNAHRA) and Mr. Bernardino “Toto” Patigas, a known Human Rights supporter, I personally don’t see any reason why should I limit myself from extending the services of the government to our constituents who promote social reforms and authentic justice. We have to understand that the organizations where they belong are legitimate cause-oriented groups and should not be unfairly tagged as communist groups.
I vehemently and firmly DENY the report regarding the giving of caliber pistol and weapons to the NPA hit squad to eliminate Carapali Lualhati of the RPA/ABB. As a matter of fact, there is no problem whatsoever between me and Carapali Lualhati.
On the report that NPA hitmen “sought refuge at the fishpond owned by Mayor Yap”, this is indeed a very loaded accusation. I just doubt if they have the evidence to substantiate this claim. May I ask, which fishpond are they referring to?
It was mentioned in the report that Regional Director Honey Paredes verified the reports of Extra-judicial killings in Escalante City as enumerated in the confidential report of P/CSupt. Querol. It may then be appropriate to inquire if there are truths to these allegations, then why is there no case, criminal or administrative, filed against me? These claims should have been supported with authentic evidences and should have been disclosed in the Resolution.
As to date, I have not been charged criminally or administratively in any forum regarding “illegal activities” other than this particular incident.
May I also inquire how NAPOLCOM Regional Director Paredes did verify the veracity of the report when I have not known any investigation that took place within the territorial jurisdiction of Escalante City?
There is no truth to the report that there was no comment from Congressman Julio A. Ledesma, III of the 1st District of Negros Occidental because he even personally objected to the proposed suspension of deputation.
As the resolution invoked provisions in the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, and DILG Act of 1990, may I inquire if they have substantial evidence and proof that will support their claim that I have indeed violated some of its provisions?
If there are, then I challenge you to take the necessary and the most appropriate action so I may have the chance to defend myself in the proper court.
Needless to say, the inquiry was conducted unilaterally, without giving me a chance to present my side and without even informing me of the complaint against my person, thus, violating my fundamental right as a human and dignity as a person. Apparently, I became a victim of human rights violation which we suppose, an act that the present administration, grossly abhor and owe to protect.
I may have been silent in the past because I believe that no amount of political intimidation shall hinder me in as I serve my fellow Escalantehanon. However, I believe that this is the right time to set all records straight. I don’t want to dignify the harassment that I am experiencing right now by not allowing the truth to come out.
Thank you.
Press Conference at Kuppa Café
of MAYOR MELECIO J. YAP, JR.
August 13, 2011
2:00 pm
STATEMENT
Last Monday, August 8, 2011, I was taken aback when I received the Resolution to suspend and withdraw my deputation or my administrative control and operational supervision over the Escalante Police Station issued by the National Police Commission on July 15, 2011.
This came in during the time when I was anticipating for the supposed investigation to roll over so I’d be given the venue to explain my side and controvert the allegations that were raised against me.
I personally regarded this move as beneficial on my part since it is through this forum that I shall be given the opportunity to confront squarely and fairly all the charges and accusations which my political opponents have proliferated way back and even beyond election period.
Unfortunately, I have never been invited nor anybody from the investigating team has visited my office to give me such opportune time to defend myself and address these issues once and for all. I was not even FORMALLY informed of the existence of these complaints. It is when the series of events implicating people who are close to me began to surface when I have felt the pressure and eventually learned of these supposed investigation.
As we take a closer look on the premises considered in the Resolution, it appears that the investigation has not maximized nor explored all possible means to come up with a fair resolution, not even an impartial investigation. The “confidential report” of PRO 6 Regional Director PCSUPT CIPRIANO E. QUEROL, JR., AL HAJ formed an integral part of the resolution.
On my alleged close association and tactical alliance with Northern Negros Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (NNAHRA) and Mr. Bernardino “Toto” Patigas, a known Human Rights supporter, I personally don’t see any reason why should I limit myself from extending the services of the government to our constituents who promote social reforms and authentic justice. We have to understand that the organizations where they belong are legitimate cause-oriented groups and should not be unfairly tagged as communist groups.
I vehemently and firmly DENY the report regarding the giving of caliber pistol and weapons to the NPA hit squad to eliminate Carapali Lualhati of the RPA/ABB. As a matter of fact, there is no problem whatsoever between me and Carapali Lualhati.
On the report that NPA hitmen “sought refuge at the fishpond owned by Mayor Yap”, this is indeed a very loaded accusation. I just doubt if they have the evidence to substantiate this claim. May I ask, which fishpond are they referring to?
It was mentioned in the report that Regional Director Honey Paredes verified the reports of Extra-judicial killings in Escalante City as enumerated in the confidential report of P/CSupt. Querol. It may then be appropriate to inquire if there are truths to these allegations, then why is there no case, criminal or administrative, filed against me? These claims should have been supported with authentic evidences and should have been disclosed in the Resolution.
As to date, I have not been charged criminally or administratively in any forum regarding “illegal activities” other than this particular incident.
May I also inquire how NAPOLCOM Regional Director Paredes did verify the veracity of the report when I have not known any investigation that took place within the territorial jurisdiction of Escalante City?
There is no truth to the report that there was no comment from Congressman Julio A. Ledesma, III of the 1st District of Negros Occidental because he even personally objected to the proposed suspension of deputation.
As the resolution invoked provisions in the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, and DILG Act of 1990, may I inquire if they have substantial evidence and proof that will support their claim that I have indeed violated some of its provisions?
If there are, then I challenge you to take the necessary and the most appropriate action so I may have the chance to defend myself in the proper court.
Needless to say, the inquiry was conducted unilaterally, without giving me a chance to present my side and without even informing me of the complaint against my person, thus, violating my fundamental right as a human and dignity as a person. Apparently, I became a victim of human rights violation which we suppose, an act that the present administration, grossly abhor and owe to protect.
I may have been silent in the past because I believe that no amount of political intimidation shall hinder me in as I serve my fellow Escalantehanon. However, I believe that this is the right time to set all records straight. I don’t want to dignify the harassment that I am experiencing right now by not allowing the truth to come out.
Thank you.
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