A TOWN mayor in Negros Occidental is holed up inside the town hall for two days now after a disagreement with his police chief on the drugs watch list.
Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo of Hinigaran town said he had been sleeping at the municipal hall since Wednesday night out of fear for his life.
His fear stemmed from a spat with his town police chief, Senior Inspector Lawrence Bathan, after the latter allegedly omitted some known drug suspects in the watch list without consulting him.
“I have no trust in the police. I don’t see their sincerity,” the mayor said adding that the police do not believe his claim that there are drug lords in Hinigaran.
He even slammed the police for quickly dismissing his belief without validation and investigation.
He has sought the relief of Bathan but the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (PPO) and the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region denied his request.
In a statement Thursday, August 17, the police said the information provided by the mayor "appear to be untruthful upon validation."
The police further said Arceo was provided the "true picture" of the drug situation in the town.
“While it is true that he is giving information to the police, such information appeared to be untruthful upon validation,” the statement said.
The police also said Arceo may have the "operational supervision and control" over PNP units but this is "limited and does not include the power to intervene" in other "exclusive" police functions.
“The mayor is acting like a chief of police of his town that he wants the PNP personnel to report directly to him with regard to illegal drug situation and illegal drug personalities in his town. He is already acting beyond his power to the extent of requiring the police to divulge confidential information leading to the arrest of a drug personality," the statement reads.
"His actuations appeared to be doubtful. Even courts exercise restraint in divulging informants,” the statement added.
But the mayor will not budge saying he will stay at the municipal hall until the issue will be resolved.
He has sought the help of President Rodrigo Duterte and Philippine National Police Chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.
Ala Parojinog style
The mayor has also expressed fear that his house might also be raided by the police alluding to the drug raid against the Parojinog's of Ozamiz City which led to the death of the mayor, his wife and several others.
He added two mayors were already killed during police raids for illegal drugs and he does not want to be the next victim.
Asked if he owns firearms, the mayor said “no comment.”
A prayer rally will be held for him tonight by supporters in front of the municipal hall.
Meantime, the provincial police said they are consistent and serious in the campaign against illegal drugs.