Cop ‘supervising’ Swertres posts bail

Authorities preparing admin complaint

CEBU, Philippines - The policeman who was caught allegedly protecting an illegal numbers game in Lazi, Siquijor posted bail while his criminal case will be heard in court.

Police Officer 3 Luther Lapinig of the Regional Intelligence Unit-7, a national support unit of the Philippine National Police, was indicted by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Ulysses Andora for violation of Republic Act 9287, otherwise known as the anti-illegal gambling law.

Lapinig, a resident of Lazi, was arrested by his colleagues on October 30 after he was caught in the act of allegedly supervising Swertres.

Thirteen others were also arrested along with Lapinig for allegedly tallying numbers.

Superintendent Enrique Belciña, deputy provincial director for operations of Siquijor Police Provincial Office, said they filed a criminal complaint against Lapinig and the 13 others before the Office of Siquijor Provincial Prosecutor on November 2.

The 14 suspects opted not to submit counter-affidavit during the inquest proceeding before Andora; hence their indictment.

Andora recommended P14,000 bail for Lapinig and P8,000 each for the 13 others.

Belciña said they filed the charges against the 14 suspects before the Regional Trial Court Branch 46 in Larena, Siquijor last Wednesday. All suspects have posted bail, he said.

Last October 30, operatives of the Public Safety Platoon and of Lazi Police Station were responding to a shooting incident near Barangay Nagerong and were chasing the suspect when they reportedly noticed a group of persons who seemed busy tallying numbers and were allegedly being supervised by Lapinig.

The group, including Lapinig, ran towards different directions upon seeing the policemen but was eventually cornered.

Several gambling paraphernalia were seized in the area.

Lapinig’s service firearm and another homemade KG-9 submachine gun both loaded with ammunition were also confiscated from his possession.

Belciña said Lapinig told them he was assigned to Siquijor at that time by his superior.

The police official said they will send an investigation report to the Regional Internal Affairs Services-7 that will support the administrative complaint to be filed against Lapinig this week.  (FREEMAN)