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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Napolcom suspends police power of Pampanga town mayor arrested for extortion

Napolcom suspends police power of Pampanga town mayor arrested for extortion

Published Aug 8, 2025 02:19 pm
National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer, Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan (Photo: Napolcom)
National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer, Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan (Photo: Napolcom)
The police power of the town mayor of San Simon, Pampanga was suspended by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) after he was arrested for extortion, it was bared on Friday. Aug. 8.
Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan, vice chairperson and executive officer of the Napolcom, ordered the suspension of police powers and control of Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr.
Calinisan said the move stemmed from Punsalan’s arrest during an entrapment operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Aug. 5 “for allegedly accepting part of an P80 million bribe in exchange for a favorable resolution from the local government, as alleged by the complainant Realsteel Corporation.”
Punsalan was accused of asking P80 million from the complainant before issuing the company’s business permit, allowing it to continue operating in San Simon.
Calinisan directed the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to conduct a motu proprio investigation toward the full revocation of the authority granted by the Commission to local chief executives (LCEs) to exercise operational supervision and control over the police force within their jurisdiction.
Police power refers to the authority granted by the Napolcom to LCEs such as mayors and governors to supervise and control Philippine National Police (PNP) units in their area.
The authority is provided for in the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160) and Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 (Republic Act 8551).
The Napolcom stressed that such power is delegated by the Commission, not automatically given.
“This authority includes the power to issue directives on police operations, assign police personnel, develop safety plans, and select a chief of police based on legal qualifications,” Calinisan explained.
“Their responsibilities also include overseeing police performance, supporting police seminars and training, and formulating plans for community public safety,” he added.

Related Tags

Napolcom San Simon Pampanga police power Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr. extortion
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