THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has cleared the chief of police of Benguet province of any liability in procedural lapses concerning investigation on the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.
In a statement on Monday, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. welcomed the reinstatement of Benguet’s top policemen, Lt. Col. Lambert Suerte, saying it ensured that law enforcement agencies upheld integrity and fairness in all of its operations.
“We always ensure that every officer is given due process, and a fair and impartial investigation. We continue to follow the law and PNP policy so that the integrity of our police force is not affected,” Nartatez said.
A regional internal review found no misconduct on Suerte’s part and instead held Tuba police chief Maj. Peter Camsol Jr. accountable. He will face administrative charges.
“This case proves that accountability is balanced with fairness; our officers must be protected from premature judgments until the facts are fully verified,” the PNP chief said.
“This reinstatement (of Suerte) also serves as a reminder to our officers that the PNP leadership supports those who act lawfully and responsibly, and we will continue to uphold trust in the organization,” Nartatez added.
Both Suerte and Camsol were previously relieved from their posts over alleged lapses in handling evidence related to Cabrals’ death. Suerte had been on medical leave since his official relief last Dec. 22.\
The review came in response to public criticisms over the initial police actions on Cabral’s death.Authorities subsequently confirmed there was no foul play in Cabral’s death, citing forensic results, CCTV footage, and witness accounts, though procedural issues at the municipal level will still be addressed.
