San Simon Mayor Faces Police Powers Suspension
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has suspended the police powers of San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr. after his arrest for allegedly attempting to extort P100 million from a steel company. The enforcement action follows an entrapment operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) intelligence division at a restaurant in the Clark Freeport Zone late Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities filed charges of extortion and graft against Punsalan before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office last Wednesday. This development prompted Napolcom to act swiftly to remove the mayor’s police authority within his municipality.
Napolcom’s Suspension Order Explained
In a statement released Friday, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan announced the suspension of police powers and control in San Simon, Pampanga, which were under Mayor Punsalan’s supervision. This move is grounded on Section 51 (b) of Republic Act 6975, also known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Act. The law deputizes mayors as Napolcom representatives in their respective territories.
Napolcom, an agency attached to the DILG, functions as the disciplinary body overseeing the Philippine National Police (PNP). When mayors are deputized by Napolcom, they gain operational supervision and control over police units in their jurisdiction.
Role and Authority of Deputized Mayors
This authority includes directing police operations, assigning personnel, creating safety plans, and selecting a chief of police based on qualifications. Napolcom clarified these powers to emphasize the scope of control mayors exercise over local police forces.
Following Punsalan’s arrest, San Simon Vice Mayor Josephine Anne Canlas took over as acting mayor on Thursday, according to local officials. This transition aims to ensure continued governance and police oversight in the municipality amid the ongoing legal process.
Legal and Community Reactions
Local leaders noted the seriousness of the charges and the swift actions taken by law enforcement and oversight agencies. The case highlights continuing efforts to uphold integrity within local government units and police supervision.
For more news and updates on San Simon mayor police powers, visit Filipinokami.com.
