The Bureau of Fire Protection in Central Visayas confirmed the suspension of provincial fire marshal, Senior Insp. William Tacaldo Jr., from May 1 to October 28, 2015, without pay, after he was found guilty of simple misconduct.

Tacaldo, however, said he is still performing his functions up to now.

In a letter to Commission on Human Rights field investigator, Jess Cañete, BFP-7 officer-in-charge, Senior Supt. Erlinda Tobias, said that Tacaldo was suspended by BFP director Ariel Barayuga, in an order dated April 14, that was affirmed with finality by Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas.

Tacaldo said he filed a motion for reconsideration three days after Barayuga's order was issued, and he is still performing his function as provincial fire marshal of Negros Oriental. He said he believes that the order came before the decision on the case.

Cañete said the suspension order stemmed from the administrative case filed by a private complainant after an incident on June 5, 2010, during the blessing and birthday party of one of Tacaldo's subordinates, where he was accused of acts of lasciviousness by the complainant. The criminal complaint has prescribed, however.

Cañete said it is up to the BFP whether to enforce the order or not, unless the private complainant files another complaint.*JG

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