Netizens thank Capa for Lee arrest

Senior Supt. Conrad Capa: Netizens’ support. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Senior Supt. Conrad Capa earned the ire of President Aquino for going “on a media tour” airing his complaint about his reassignment, but gained the support of netizens.

What’s wrong with you, Mr. President?

That, in essence, was the question raised by netizens who were disappointed, angered and even bewildered by the “scolding” that the President heaped on the police officer whose men captured businessman Delfin Lee.

Capa was also excluded from the list of awardees who were cited for arresting Lee.

To many in the social media who follow the Inquirer, Capa, the sacked head of Task Force Tugis, deserved a commendation, if not a promotion, for the arrest of Lee, the fugitive real estate magnate wanted for the P7-billion housing racket, on March 6 in Ermita, Manila.

Many netizens virtually consoled Capa, assuring him of their gratitude for arresting Lee.

“Wag kang mag-alala, ang mahalaga ay nakatulong ka sa kapwa mo na niloko ni Delfin Lee. Bayani ka pa rin masasabi sa mga mata ng mga taong ito,” said netizen Raul Matienzo.

“No citation but admiration from the public is what he gets. Carry on, officer. You serve the country not a group!” said netizen Teresita Nicolas Cativo.

In a speech at the Philippine National Police Araw ng Parangal sa Kapulisan (Day of Honoring Police Personnel) at Camp Crame on Tuesday, the President berated Capa for being “loud, picky and unprofessional.”

‘Your time almost up’

Capa openly assailed PNP Director General Alan Purisima for ordering his relief as head of the task force purportedly in preparation for his eventual promotion as chief superintendent, a star-rank equivalent to the military’s brigadier general.

His sacking came exactly a week after his men captured Lee.

Netizens rallied to Capa’s defense, and minced no words in virtually lambasting the President.

“Mr. President, it is you that should be scolded. The corrupt are still at large, no justice served to any of the big-time crime personalities. Sadly, your time is almost done. When will we who voted for you be proud of you?” netizen Jovie Flor posted on Facebook.

Demoralizing

“It is demoralizing for every employee/subordinate to have done your job and not get recognition for it. I hope Mr. Capa will never lose his resolve to serve the country in the best way he can. Something is wrong with our President. Something is very wrong with him,” netizen John Lucas also said.

“A big BOOO for PNOY!” a netizen who used the name Morethan Words said.

“What B.S. Aquino III lacks is simple humility,” said netizen Erie S. Salmo.

Capa’s fate is hanging in the balance.

Administrative liability

The PNP on Wednesday said a committee, tasked with looking into his outburst, was close to wrapping up its investigation of his possible administrative liability.

Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., PNP deputy chief for administration, said the grievance committee would submit its recommendation on the Capa case in the next few days.

“The grievance committee has already acknowledged the problem. We called [Capa] and discussed with him the issue,” Rojas told the Inquirer.

Although Capa was not formally charged administratively for his behavior, his decision to grant interviews in the media to assail Purisima “is already considered a complaint,” he said. “So we already took cognizance of the case.”

Asked what could be the possible sanction against Capa, Rojas said: “It depends on the deliberation. That’s why we summoned him to get his side.”

Reprimand, suspension

Rojas said the committee was reviewing existing policies to check if Capa faced administrative liabilities. “He could be cited for a less grave offense. If he did not have ill intentions, he could be reprimanded or admonished. He may also be suspended.”

He said it was normal for any organization as big as the police force to have members complaining about its policies on the designation of personnel.

Rojas maintained that Capa’s transfer to the Cebu regional police office as deputy regional director for operations was part of the career ladder of any police official due for promotion to chief superintendent.

“Other senior police officials also occupied the same post before they were promoted as police generals,” he said.

More netizens supported Capa.

“Mr. President please stop bashing and blaming other people, this dedicated police[man] doesn’t deserve your scolds …,” Thet Miranda posted on Facebook.

“A leader should set as an example. This is one reason some enforcers hesitate to do their job because of ‘bata-bata’ system. Pitiful,” said netizen Lula Belle.

In a Facebook post addressed to Capa, netizen Betty Tan said:  “Remember he [Mr. Aquino] was the one who said on CNN that only 2,500 people died during Supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’ but in truth it was more than 10,000 that the police officer correctly estimated and this police officer was relieved of his command.” [It was about 6,000–Ed.]

“Apparently, you can get fired for doing your job. It IS more fun in the Philippines,” said netizen Jeremiah Virgo.

“I am so disappointed with Pnoy, first his treatment of Mr. Cudia then with Mr. Capa. Takot si Pnoy sa military kasi pag kinampihan niya ang kumokontra dito, they might launch a coup like they did with his mom. Mr. Capa, you have our full respect and I salute you with my whole heart,” said netizen Ma. Esperanza Magkasi.

RELATED STORIES

Aquino scolds Lee’s ‘noisy’ captor; he gets no citation

Capa faces uncertain future in PNP after media outburst

Aquino commends distinguished cops; Capa left out