DILG comes down hard on Bamban, Tarlac mayor

INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. yesterday ordered the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to initiate proceedings that will strip controversial Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Gou of supervisory powers over the town’s police force.

Abalos made the move days after the Interior Department recommended the suspension of Guo to the Ombudsman due to her alleged involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator activities.

The Senate is conducting an investigation into Guo’s supposed involvement in illegal POGO operations. Questions have also been raised over her nationality.

“Local officials have supervision over the police so what we did was I have instructed the NAPOLCOM to initiate proceedings for the withdrawal of the mayor’s deputization,” Abalos said.

“This means that after the investigation, if there are sufficient grounds, we would withdraw the deputization of Mayor Guo… including (her) control and supervision of (the) local police,” said Abalos.

Abalos said this was part of “additional” moves the DILG is taking against the mayor.

On the suggestion of the Ombudsman for the DILG to file a specific case against Guo, Abalos said: “If that is what the Ombudsman wants us to (do)… we are going to file a complaint.”

Asked when the DILG would file the complaint, Abalos said: “Tomorrow or later today.”