2 men indicted for bribing cops

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor has indicted two persons for allegedly conspiring with each other in bribing arresting officers with huge amount of money in exchange of dropping the criminal complaints against them.

Prosecutor III Rhodna Bacatan found probable cause against Vincent Cabatas, 24, a resident of Sitio City Central, Barangay Luz, and Ricardo Abao, 34, of Cabancalan St., of the same barangay.

In an inquest proceeding, Cabatas and Abao chose not to file their respective counter-affidavits to answer the allegations filed against them. Instead, they manifested to face the charges in court.

Bacatan recommended a P24,000 bail for each accused for their temporary liberty while the case of corruption of public official under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code is being heard in court.

Police Officer 2 Pacheco Pulgo and his colleagues at the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of the Mabolo Police alleged that last October 6 at around 6:07 a.m. they conducted an illegal drugs operation along Juan Luna Avenue, in Barangay Mabolo.

During the operation, they were able to arrest Cabatas for illegal possessions of firearm and drugs paraphernalia, after the police have received reports that he was engaged in the illegal drug trade.

Cabatas allegedly offered to pay P100,000 to the police while they were inside the police station in exchange of not filing the appropriate criminal charges against him.

Cabatas handed the P50,000 to the police and the remaining P50,000 was delivered by Abao.

After the Mabolo police counted the money amounting to P100,000, they arrested Cabatas and Abao.

Aside from the corruption of public official case, Cabatas was also charged with illegal possession of firearms. A P120,000 bail bond was recommended for his temporary liberty. (FREEMAN)