PRO-7 to check on cops “protecting” drugs ops

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office-7 Director, Chief Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador Jr. says they have yet to validate the allegations of Tuburan Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante that six policemen in his town are protecting drugs operations.

“We will ask them to submit report for validation,” he said, adding a case build-up will follow.

Comendador said the Philippine National Police has an internal cleansing program that will address irregularities of his men and to make his men a role model to the community.

Diamante earlier revealed that six policemen in his town are included in the “payroll” of a Level 1 drug pusher in their town based on an intelligence report. However, he admitted that he has no names of the said policemen.

“There were reports that some policemen were involved in illegal drugs, if it is allowed they will be reassigned,” he said.

Diamante also assured that the illegal drug problem in their town is not that big because of their intensive drive against it. He claimed no one is above the law in Tuburan where drugs is concerned, no matter how well-connected that person is.

The mayor is also hopeful that when presidential-elect Rodrigo Duterte will assume office the problems in illegal drugs will be eliminated.

Diamante said if their town has enough resources he would like to imitate what Cebu City Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña did in rewarding policemen who shoot suspects who violently resist, but said they have no big budget for peace and order. — (FREEMAN)