All City DEU cops relieved

CEBU, Philippines — Following the arrest of a drug enforcement police officer, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) ordered the relief of all City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU).

Police Corporal Rogelio Atillo, 30, a resident of Barangay Sawang Callero, Cebu City is facing a criminal complaint before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office.

Atillo, a member of Labangon Police Station's Drug Enforcement Unit, was arrested Friday at 8:30 p.m. in a joint buy-bust operation along Caimito St.,  Barangay Basak Pardo, Cebu City.

Operatives were able to seize 15 grams of shabu with Dangerous Drugs Board value of P102,000 from Atillo and P27,000 cash believed to be proceeds of his illegal drug trade.

Police Colonel Royina Garma expressed her disappointment over the incident and said that all CDEU personnel will be replaced.

They will be made to report to the Personnel and Holding Account Unit (PHAU).

“Talagang disappointed ako sa nangyari, kahit ang laki na ng suweldo, ang ganda na ng career nagawa pa rin mainvolve sa drugs. Sinayang niya lang ang career niya,” she said. (I’m very disappointed. Even with the increase in their salary, they still engaged in illegal drugs activities.)

Aside from the 15 grams of shabu and proceeds, one black belt bag containing his service firearm loaded with nine pieces of live ammunitions, and two mobile phones, were recovered from Atillo.

Atillo allegedly recycled shabu confiscated in anti-illegal drug operations.

Garma said that in line with command responsibility, Police Major Keith Andaya, head of Punta Princesa Police Station, will also be relieved from his post. His replacement will undergo a selection process with other CCPO command staff.

Police Captain Jeoffrey Grande is also set to assume as new DEU Chief but his members will be handpicked by Garma and other key officials.

In a separate interview, Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas said he wants all CDEU men to undergo a moral recovery program.

 “What went wrong? Why are they tempted even with the support that they get? That’s what we want to find out, kaysa magsige ta hatag warning,” he said.

A rank of corporal or formerly a Police Officer 2, gets a gross income of up to P40,000 including benefits.

Prior to Atillo’s arrest, he received multiple awards for accomplishment in anti-illegal drug operations during his close to five-year career.

Sinas said Atillo confessed that he got into the shabu business for money since his three daughters and stay-at-home wife needed cash for this year’s opening of classes. (FREEMAN)