Comelec rule triggers reinstatement of PNP-AKG chief
PHILIPPINE National Police spokesperson, Brigadier General Jean S. Fajardo yesterday confirmed a Journal Group story that relieved PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group director, Colonel Elmer E. Ragay was reinstated from his post due to a ‘misappreciation’ of the Commission on Elections’ rule barring the transfer of public officials during the polling period.
In a press conference at Camp Crame, the official confirmed that indeed, there was a relief order issued on Ragay last February 28 by the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management. However, the same office nullified the order on March 3 following a consultation with the Comelec.
Brig. Gen. Fajardo said that during a talk with Comelec officials on Monday, the PNP-DPRM admitted they failed to fully understand the Comelec rules on the transfer, placement, and promotion of PNP personnel during the election period.
“There was a misapprehension of facts. Sa mata po ng PNP-DPRM, yung issuance ng relief order ni Col. Ragay last February 28 does not require Comelec approval as it doesn’t involve any movement, transfer, or detail of PNP officials,” Brig. Gen. Fajardo said.
However, during their Monday meeting, it was fully explained that during the election period, the PNP needs to seek the prior clearance of the poll body when transferring, moving, or detailing any of its personnel to other offices.
“In the case of Col. Ragay, there was no transfer na nangyari. However upon consultation with the Comelec, it was discovered that such administrative relief is within the provisions of a Comelec Resolution 10999.
The Civil Service Commission has also reiterated strict prohibitions regarding personnel movements, hiring, and promotions in government agencies during the election period as outlined in the Comelec resolution issued to maintain impartiality and fairness in public service throughout the election process.
To prevent any undue influence or political maneuvering, the CSC has underscored that government employees are prohibited from being transferred or detailed to other offices from January 12 to June 11 unless prior approval is obtained from Comelec. The measure ensures stability and prevents politically motivated reassignments.
Brig. Gen. Fajardo however said that the nullification of Ragay’s relief order does not mean that the investigation into the questioned rescue of a 14-year-old kidnapping-for-ransom victim ordered by PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil will also stop.
Gen. Marbil ordered the probe in the wake of news items creating doubts about the rescue operation, the PNP spokesperson said.
“The Chief PNP deemed it necessary to investigate the rescue operation as a response to those questioning, those who raised serious concern on the manner how the 14-year-old boy was rescued by the PNP-AKG. Ang PNP-CIDG po ang nag-iinvestigate,” said the PNP spokesperson.
However, she made it clear that the investigation is not only focusing on Col. Ragay but the whole operation conducted by the PNP-AKG.
She also refused to elaborate on the progress of the PNP’s ongoing operation to account for the kidnappers so as not to compromise it.
