Garcia on erring police: ‘Nobody is above the law’

Local

CEBU City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia emphasized the need for accountability within law enforcement following recent reports involving police officers allegedly engaged in unlawful activities.

He said law enforcers, like all citizens, must be subject to due process and legal consequences when necessary.

“First of all, nobody is above the law — especially if you’re a police officer or you are in charge of implementing law and order here in the city of Cebu. There should be no whitewashing. If an ordinary civilian can be prosecuted, then all the more should our police officers be held liable,” Garcia said during a recent press conference.

He urged the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take proactive steps in addressing potential misconduct among their personnel, particularly those in Cebu.

“I am appealing to the police hierarchy — look for those abusing their power for personal gain. If there’s a violation, investigate and file the necessary cases. No one is above the law,” he said.

Despite the recent incidents, Garcia noted that the public continues to place significant trust in the police force.

“The police symbolize safety for many people. That’s why their accountability is even greater,” he said.

On April 7, a police corporal assigned to the Mandaue City Police Office was arrested in Barangay Sapangdaku, Cebu City, after allegedly assaulting a civilian and threatening him with a firearm.

The suspect, identified as Ivan Labra, was reportedly under the influence of alcohol during the incident. He was taken into custody and is facing complaints for grave threat and physical injuries. His service firearm was confiscated.

In a separate case, authorities arrested another police officer, identified as Niesel Arizo Pescante, on April 6 in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

Pescante, assigned to Mandaue City Police Station 6, was found in possession of suspected shabu valued at approximately P408,000, along with marked money and identification cards.

He is facing charges under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, in a news media forum on Tuesday, April 8, Col. Arvie Aserre Paraon-Bueno, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO-7), when asked about the role of police training in reducing misconduct, stated that values formation remains a part of the PNP’s curriculum.

“Values formation is still part of police training. But regrettably, values cannot be forced. You can teach them, but if the individual doesn’t accept or live by them, it becomes difficult,” Bueno said.

She added that while incidents involving police personnel do happen, these are not reflective of the majority.

“Although may naririnig po tayo [mga balita], ang maganda dito isolated cases po ito but we really hope we strive to have perfect PNP,” she said.(TGP)