MikeLigalig.com

The Philippine National Police has this battle cry: “To serve and to protect.”

But lately I feel shivers under my skin sensing that I (or we) might have stirred a hornet’s nest inside the office of Bohol’s highest police official!

I found myself in hostile grounds when, pursuant to media work, I sought the comments of Bohol Provincial Director Edgardo Ingking on his alleged “special interest” in the cases obviously built-up to ultimately pin down the former Panglao mayor Doloreich Dumaluan.

The case(s), revised and amended through several editions is now pointing to the former Panglao mayor as the alleged brains behind the gruesome rape-killing of 14-year old high school student Vivian Dumaluan sometime in April 2004.

The issue unfortunately appears political in nature, disguised as search for justice for the victim. When before, former mayor Dumaluan, a close relative of the victim was helping police gather information to finally identify the real criminal, he is now being tagged as masterminding the bastardly act.

And it seems of all people, the police that supposedly “protect and serve” those who need most, appear to be on one side of the conflict.

I hope I am wrong! That was exactly the reason why I sought the provincial police director. I have many questions for him.

* * * * *

The last time I was in his office was a tear-jerker!

His aides told me to wait, “lingkod lang diha” while before, they would excitingly let me in, “pronto.”

When before, I was courteously served a cup of coffee, that time Col. Ingking’s aides appeared unminding. After almost ½-hour of waiting, I was told the colonel can’t see me for he has some urgent appointment to attend.

The colonel hurriedly run to his car, yet I still tried to squeeze some few questions but he had no time for me.

Oh.... like a jilted lover, I stood petrified seeing him speed away.

I was puzzled since I thought I had good weather with the Colonel knowing that only the STANDARD (this paper) of all newspapers in Bohol, has given a SPECIAL space for press releases of his accomplishments, and that was for FREE.

Sa Pasko, wa gani ko mahinumdumi bisan Christmas card!

Well, never mind the coffee and card; what really intrigues me is “the climate change” of the police director.

* * * * *

Why...? This week, I had some answers to my questions.

Dili na daw diay siya ganahan sa STANDARD kay our editor-in-chief Atty. Koykoy Lim is one of the collaborating counsels in the defense of former Panglao mayor Dumaluan.

Can you believe that? This Colonel is “my idol” and I am even nominating him as Bohol’s next new general!

Pero naunsa naman ni? I don’t think our personal interests and feelings should seep into our jobs, particularly in police work and us, the media!

* * * * *

The STANDARD publisher, our editor-in-chief, our editorial advisers are all lawyers handling high profile cases, but the paper’s INDEPENDENCE has never been or will ever be jeopardized by these people’s individual professional practice as lawyers.

My god(s), what’s this? Hasta ako naangin!

I could surmise now, that Col Ingking has this peculiar trait, insecurities perhaps (I hope I am wrong again).

It really breaks my heart to lose a good friend!

Anyway, let’s see what the PD is really up to.

Trabaho man lang ning ato, so walang personalan!

Lesson for Today: “All colors combined turn black.”

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