New CAMSUR police head unfazed by governor’s tirades

Naga City (June 21, 2011) – Anytime, he can pack up his things and leave his office here as the Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Director of Camarines Sur if he is ordered to go back to Camp Crame. His assignment here is not a big deal. He can depart from this place anytime if they do not want him to work here.

This was the statement issued by Police Senior Superintendent Procopio Lipana during a media conference when asked about his reaction on Governor L-Ray Villafuerte’s opposition to his appointment as Provincial Police head of Camarines Sur.

Lipana said he was just following orders and did not wish nor ask to be here in the province as Provincial Director.

Earlier, Governor L-Ray Villafuerte, had warned Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo that he will bring the matter to court because the Secretary did not inform him of Lipana’s assignment as PNP head of the province.

Meanwhile, PNP Regional Director Cecilio Calleja has confirmed that the assignment of Lipana in the province followed the rules in appointing PNP officials. He said Lipana is just an officer-in-charge therefore the higher headquarter can temporarily assign him in the province without consulting the governor. (Noriel Oya)