Statement on Circulating Wrong Information Allegedly Insinuating that Malay PNP Is Just After for A Share on Fines Imposed on CoVid-19 Ordinance Violators

“The Malay PNP is thankful for the attention the Hon. Teodorico “Nonong” Haresco, Representative, 2nd Congressional District of Aklan to the issue brought about by the alleged misunderstanding regarding issuance of citation tickets to some tourists in the Island of Boracay for violating local ordinance on Minimum Health & Safety Protocols against CoVid-19 pandemic.

The leadership of Malay PNP is transparent, does not & will not tolerate and condone any wrongdoings or abuse among its police personnel in the performance of their duties & responsibilities if there is any and will not hesitate to impose disciplinary action to anyone committing violations or infractions.

We welcome any investigation that will shed light into this allegations, to prosecute and discipline any of our erring personnel if evidence warrants and exonerate the innocent if the issue will be found unfounded and untrue. It will be also helpful that complainants will (if necessary be assisted by the concerned) come forward, formally file a report or a complaint, so that our office will act in this properly.

Relative to this, the Malay PNP, having territorial jurisdiction of the Municipality of Malay including the Island of Boracay, has inherent powers and functions as primary enforcer of laws and local ordinances in this locality.

In response to the mandate issued by the IATF against CoVid-19 & EID, the Municipality of Malay through the Sangguniang Bayan has enacted Municipal Ordinance No. 453, Series of 2021 establishing Minimum Health & Safety Protocols with calibrated adjustment & adaptation on Alert Level System to combat CoVid-19 spread & infection with corresponding rules & penalties that includes administrative fines to violators (usually for improper & non-wearing of face mask in public places like all public conveyances, roads, path roads, front beach area) who will be issued corresponding Violation Citation Tickets.

That our station, in pursuance of its legal mandate and direct order from the LGU of Malay implements and enforce this local ordinance. And contrary to the rumors and allegations, any fines charged to violators after duly issued VCTs are paid directly to the Office of Municipal Treasurer of Malay with corresponding Official Receipt and any enforcers including the PNP personnel are not allowed to receive payments.

To further clarify and reiterate, the Malay PNP also does not have any share on the fines charged.

It is worth noting that the whole world is still in pandemic situation, our national & local governments have not yet lifted or removed the mandatory wearing of face mask in all public places to protect the public from CoVid-19 infection and possible mass surge of infections that might again cause economic problem and imperil our still recovering economy.

To add, we are grateful for all the support given to the Malay PNP by the LGU of Malay under the leadership of Acting and now Mayor Elect Frolibar Bautista.

And in return, we remain steadfast, committed and inspired to perform our mission of keeping Malay & Boracay a safe place to live, relax and do business.

To those that peddle lies and misinformation, we humbly appeal to please refrain and desist from these irresponsible actions to avoid confusion and misinformations that may cause unwarranted consequences that will be detrimental to all.

For any complaints or questions, please refer to the Malay PNP’s and LGU Malay’s hotline numbers, email address and social media accounts.

Maraming salamat po.

DON DICKSIE LUKBAN DE DIOS

POLICE LIEUTENANT COLONEL

CHIEF OF POLICE