Lawmaker wants Napolcom probed for stripping LGUs of police power

A senior administration lawmaker has filed a resolution seeking a congressional investigation into the decision of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to strip 139 local government executives of administrative functions over the local police.

Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison filed House Resolution 1137 seeking an inquiry on Napolcom’s resolution that revoked the deputation of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan II, along with 13 mayors, based on their alleged possible involvement in illegal drugs.

The local officials have also been accused of conniving with local terrorists, particularly the Abu Sayyaf, on their kidnapping spree by allegedly providing material support.

“We need to get to the bottom of this issue. Otherwise, the sacrifices of our young and gallant soldiers will be in vain,” Arbison said.

“Again, the Napolcom resolution already points us to the truth which we must all seek out, if we are to fully liberate Sulu and Mindanao from the quagmire of extremism and senseless war,” he added.

Arbison underscored the importance of Congress’ and the national government’s acting on the matter so as not to waste precious lives and the sacrifices of soldiers and policemen killed and injured in the battle for Marawi City.

At the same time, Arbison revealed the Abu Sayyaf has been supplying the material, logistical and fighting forces to the Maute extremists in Marawi.

Arbison stressed local officials are supposed to be at the forefront of government campaign against illegal drugs and terrorism.

Arbison also sought a review and amendments to the laws on kidnapping and serious illegal detention of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 9372 (Human Security Act of 2007), RA 6975 (PNP Law) and the recent RA 10927 (Anti-Money Laundering Act).

The Napolcom on June 4 issued a resolution stating that a total of seven governors and 132 mayors from Mindanao, including the governor and 13 mayors of Sulu have been stripped of their powers over local police.

All of them have been stripped of their administrative powers for allegedly providing material support to criminal elements, and that they had too many frequent unauthorized absences, aside from allegedly abusing their authority.