THE chief of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) on Wednesday, March 25, stepped down from his post over charges of sexual harassment filed by a policewoman at the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
“To ensure a completely impartial, fair, and transparent conduct of the investigation, I have decided to voluntarily step down from my position as Acting Director of the PNP Highway Patrol Group, effective immediately,” Director Brig. Gen. Jessie Tamayao said in a statement
He added that he was innocent of the charges “in the clearest and most categorical terms.”
“I firmly deny the allegations. I can only deduce this is a personal vendetta the reason of which I am not aware. However, I recognize the gravity of such a complaint and the importance of maintaining the public’s trust in the integrity of our office,” Tamayao said.
He clarified that his decision to step down was not an admission of guilt, but a demonstration of his commitment to due process and the institutional reputation of the PNP.
“In my 30 years of service, I have never been involved in, nor subjected to, any such allegation or complaint. I have risen through the ranks through my own diligence, hard work, and integrity. By stepping down, I aim to remove any perception of influence or conflict of interest while the proper authorities perform their duties,” he stressed.
“I fully welcome a thorough investigation, and I am prepared to cooperate with the investigating body to clear my name. I am confident that the truth will prevail through the proper legal and administrative channels,” he added.
In a statement, Napolcom did not disclose the complainant’s name and rank, but identified the respondent as Brig. Gen. Jessie Tamayao.
The complainant, reportedly also a member of the HPG, was seeking tTamayao’s dismissal for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995) and Republic Act No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012).
According to the complainant, Tamayao allegedly invited her to engage in sexual activity while also reportedly touching her behind.
She further claimed that all the statements and actions of the official were accompanied by intimidation and threats, including being reassigned to Mindanao if she refused his advances.
The complainant also alleged that the official accessed her cellphone without consent, read her messages, and took photos of images and conversations from her gallery, Messenger, and Viber accounts.
He allegedly threatened to use these to blackmail her against reporting the incidents to former HPG chief Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan.
“I hope this will be a lesson to those like her who abuse women, that not all women will give in to fear. That there are those who will stand up for the rights of women, no matter what their status in life and society,” she said.
That no man or anyone can abuse us. That just because we are separated from our husbands, we can’t be abused,” she added.
