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[av_heading heading=’ Guv calls Ombudsman order vs Sustento ‘inappropriate’ ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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ILOILO City – “Wala nagakalaigo.” Inappropriate.
This was how Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. described the penalty of dismissal from service that the Office of the Ombudsman meted on Ajuy, Iloilo’s police chief and three other policemen for alleged grave misconduct.
“I believe Sustento deserves full support and I, as governor of the province of Iloilo, will extend full support and make available legal assistance to him,” said Defensor.
Chief Inspector Charlie Sustento is a multi-awarded police officer. He – as then police chief of Dumangas town – and his three men were accused of grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of police officers, gross incompetence, abuse of authority, and violation of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
Richard Samontosa and Janice Braga, the complainants, filed the charges in 2014. Sustento received a copy of the Ombudsman decision finding him and his men guilty last week.
“Sa akon pagtan-aw daw wala nagakalaigo ang desisyon. I think and I believe kinahanglan nya ang suporta sang provincial government,” said Defensor.
In an eight-page decision signed by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer II Emmanuel Ringpis Jr. dated June 28, 2017, the Ombudsman also meted Sustento and his three officers the accessory penalties of cancellation of civil service eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits.
Sustento vowed to challenge the ruling and described it as “really biased and too harsh.”
The police officer recalled he and his men were merely responding to a call for assistance from residents.
“Fabricated testimonies” cost them their jobs, lamented Sustento.
“We’re doing our jobs well but what good is it to be dedicated in our work if this is what we get for stepping on the toes of the influential,” said Sustento.
Sustento wondered at the speed of their case’s resolution and suspected some “unseen forces” moving.
“Ang iban nga cases 10 years before ma-decide-dan. Ang amon ‘ya less than two years na-decide-dan dayun,” he said./PN
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