CIDG probes CamSur cops for illegal mining

MANILA, Philippines - Several policemen in Camarines Sur are being investigated for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activity in Caramoa town, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Chief Inspector Errol Gatchitorena Jr. of CIDG-Camarines Sur said the probe stemmed from a complaint of Camarines Sur Gov. Miguel Luiz Villafuerte against several members of the Regional Public Safety Battalion and Provincial Safety Company. 

He asked Villafuerte to furnish their office any information or evidence to substantiate his allegation.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) earlier stripped Villafuerte of authority over the local police for allegedly refusing to cooperate in the probe of a shooting incident that left four small-scale miners dead in Barangay Gata, Caramoan town last March 22.

Villafuerte has appealed the order.

The Napolcom, in an order dated June 9, said Villafuerte’s “unwarranted refusal” to cooperate in the police investigation, his “evident” coddling of individuals carrying high-powered firearms, and his “deliberate refusal” to provide information to the police, are “valid and justifiable grounds for the withdrawal of his deputation (as the commission’s) agent or representative.”

Members of Sagip Kalikasan Task Force, which Villafuerte’s father, former governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte, formed in September 2004, were accused of killing the small-scale miners.