CAN THE MAYOR OR GOVERNOR WASH HIS HANDS OF KILLINGS? WHAT THEY CAN DO.
Under Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 (Republic Act 8551), mayors and governors are automatically deputized as representatives of National Police Commission (Napolcom), which runs the administrative operation of the police.
As such deputies, technically mayors and governors exercise administrative supervision and control over police units in their area. Mostly, though, it consists only of the right to choose the chief of police from among nominees of the PNP and to discipline erring cops. Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, among a few mayors, has complained about their influence over the police.
Which they use to deflect blame for the state of peace and order in their localities.
What can they do? They can use whatever authority the police law allows them: to prod and push police officers to do their job of arresting killers and end the rash of murders.
Mayors and governors can instigate and boost popular demand for public safety and rule of law. That initiative does not require the power to marshal and deploy the troops.
Local officials just cannot keep quiet and merely watch the number of unsolved murders rise and the impunity escalate. Which could lead to breakdown of law and order.
THREAT ON MAYORS WITH ‘SUPERSTAR COMPLEX’ Any local mayor alluded to?
“If the crime is repeatedly committed, illegal drugs, I’d order the removal of your police. There are others who have superstar complex, especially those belonging to a family (that has been in power for a long time). I’d slap penalties without waiting for Sandiganbayan or Ombudsman.””
-- President Duterte, July 31, 2018 at the National Security Council, NICA joint anniversary celebration