Due to alleged drug link: Talisay cops axed

CEBU, Philippines — All 65 policemen, except the chief of the Talisay City Police Station, were relieved of their duties after President Rodrigo Duterte tagged them as having links to illegal drugs.

PRO-7 Director Debold Sinas said the order to relieve the policemen from their posts came from Camp Crame. Talisay Mayor Eduardo Gullas also supported the move.

Aside from the alleged drug links, Sinas said eight investigators were also found to have tampered with evidence in drug cases.

“Nagbutang mi og tao didto sa Talisay. Nangreklamo nga inig submit sa korte sa ebidensya, nagkulang na and it was confirmed by the crime lab, nga kini ang report sa arresting officers pero pag-adto sa crime lab, mao ra to gihatag,” Sinas said.

At the provincial police office, Director Manuel Javier Abrugena warned the eight investigators:

“To those na may naring kami and verified, validated information na you have been involved in the pilferage of evidence pertaining to illegal drugs, definitely, your heads will roll. Kaya doon sa alam ninyo na sa sarili ninyo na kayo ay involved, pasensyahan tayo, hindi nagkulang ang pamunoan ng PNP sa pagpapaalala and yet di kayo nakinig,” Abrugena said.

Meanwhile, Sinas said of station chief, Police Supt. Marlu Conag:

“Conag will remain, after lengthy evaluation… Conag is a good officer… it just so happens bag-o ra sad siya diri, barely three months lang siya diri.”

Yesterday, a 70-man team from the Regional Public Safety Battalion headed by Police Chief Insp. Ardioleto Cabagnot and a 10-man team from the Cebu Provincial Police Office took over the police station.

Cabagnot will serve as Conag’s deputy.

Cabagnot said their new assignment is a big challenge, considering that many of those now assigned in Talisay City have not had experience running a police station. Aside from this, they are also not familiar with the city and its residents.

“Malaki talaga ang problema dito sa Talisay. In fairness sa outgoing na tropa, number one sila sa achievement (kontra drogas).It’s still a challenge lalo na police station to. We will still exert our best effort dito sa team na bago,” Conag said.

Yesterday, the 65 policemen and five non-uniform personnel were made to undergo a surprise drug test.

The cops will also be made to undergo the PNP’s Moral Recovery Program and Basic Internal Security Operation course starting this Wednesday.

These will run for up to six months, after which, the policemen will face the adjudication board, which will be composed by Abrugena and Senior Supt. Denis Agustin, Deputy Regional Director for Administration.

“I don’t want anybody nga manawag mo og ninong ninyo because I don’t care.  Pag naay motawag pangako ko yan, as long as I am your RD. di gyud nako tangtangon sa RMFB. And I will not approve all your leave except for emergency leave.  tanawon nato kinsa ang maglisud og kinabuhi,” Sinas said. (FREEMAN)