MANILA, Philippines - Director Leocadio Santiago, who is set to be relieved as Metro Manila Police chief, said Wednesday he will focus his attention on an impending investigation by the National Police Commission over his role in the August 23 Manila hostage crisis.
In an interview with ANC’s The World Tonight, Santiago did not say if he felt bitter about his relief as National Capital Region Police Office announced by Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Raul Bacalzo.
“The relief is done to ensure I have full time to focus on the investigation when the investigation body wanted me any time of the day I'd be available and not be cumbered by any responsibilities,” he said.
“In short, I cannot in any manner do anything else but focus on the investigation, subject myself to the investigating body and whatever the chief PNP or the higher authorities will tell me, I will be readily available,” he added.
Bacalzo announced Santiago’s relief earlier in the day.
He said Santiago will have to step down from his post amid a recommendation from the Palace for him to face an administrative case over the hostage rescue fiasco.
Bacalzo, however, said Santiago’s relief has to be approved by the Commission on Elections because of the ban on appointment of new officials during an election period
The former NCPRO chief said he is still waiting for the National Police Commission (Napolcom) probe and a copy of the Palace review on the Incident Investigation and Review Committee findings on the hostage rescue fiasco.
“It’s the same. There's no big difference in it,” he said, comparing the IIRC’s recommendations and the review made by Malacañang lawyers.
“As I understand it, Napolcom will still conduct the preliminary investigation and from there, determine whether it will go further, the same or go lesser based on the regulations and legal basis they can find,” he added.
Santiago said he received word that there are 3 candidates for his post.
He believes that Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome Jr., current regional director of Police Regional Office 4A or the Calabarzon region, will be his replacement.
“This is just the information given to me. It is not yet given to me by any competent authority,” he revealed. – with ANC
