Cops probed over failure to arrest captain

Investigation into why policemen from Abellana Police Station failed to arrest Kalunasan, Cebu City barangay captain Nunilon Monares, despite having allegedly violated the liquor ban, is now underway, Cebu City Police Office Director Colonel Hector Grijaldo said.

Grijaldo ordered Abellana Police Station chief, Major Elisandro Quijano, to call the attention of the responding officers for failing Monares who was captured in a video in possession of alcoholic beverages amid the ongoing liquor ban.

As of Wednesday morning, Grijaldo said that they are now in the process of getting statements of the responding officers after it was learned that the incident had not been reported or put on blotter.

“I have already directed the station commander to let his people explain for not doing their job,” Grijaldo said.

He further stated that they will not make an exemption in enforcing the punishment against violators of the law, “not even a barangay captain.”

“Kasi ang very basic, the moment na ang police ay hindi ginawa yung duty niya, there is a public clamor and there is a wrong result. Ibig sabihin, hindi mo ginawa yung trabaho mo, pero kung ginawa mo at that moment, exactly those people were already arrested and the case were already filed. Bakit pa natin pinabayaan ng ilang oras?” Grijaldo said.

He further said that he initially sees negligence on the part of the responding officers and failure to follow specific orders in violation of the police operational manual.

The video that went viral on the social media will stand as evidence against Monares, according to Grijaldo.

Monares had already explained earlier that he did not drink alcohol even if he was attending the birthday party of a friend that night.

Monares also said that he went outside after he was asked to help someone who had been arrested for violating the curfew. He added that as a public servant, he obliged to the request.

Aside from responding officers, Grijaldo said that they are also set to get statements from witnesses and other persons involved that night since their names have also been verified.

“We are still consolidating other facts and information. By today (Wednesday), I will be going to those persons involved kasi nailagay doon kung sinusino yung mga pangalan. Tatanungin, we will be asking their statement kasi pag wala silang statement, hindi mabubuo yung kwento,” Grijaldo said. will bring quarantine pass, ID nga ilaha,” the mayor said.

The residents can get a quarantine pass from the barangays.

Once the enhanced community quarantine is in place, all operations of companies inside the Mactan Export Processing zone will stop temporarily.

Bernadas said containment measures are already in place for the case in Lapu-Lapu.

"We already informed the hospital, the attending physicians, the patient, the mayor and the city health officer kay dili na ta magpaabot sa result, anha pa ta maghimo og containment measures," Bernadas said.

“As of now, this person, a senior citizen is considered presumptive positive. Wala pa ni nato gi-label nga positive kay ipa-confirm pa," Bernadas said.

Chan said that we are facing a very serious problem as we facing an unseen enemy.

"Usbon ko, akong gihangyo nga kamong tanan mo cooperate kay maglisod ako'g tabang kaninyo kung dili mo maminaw sa atong gobyerno. Palihug magtinabangay ta. Usa lang ang akong gisiguro, nga dili ko kamo biyaan og dili ko ka mo pasagdan. I am confident that we can overcome this crisis," the mayor said.