Drug war: 2 Taguig, Pateros cops sacked

MANILA, Philippines — Two key officials of the Taguig City and Pateros police stations were relieved from their posts on Thursday due to their poor performance in the government’s war on drugs, an official said yesterday.

 Chief Superintendent Tomas Apolinario, director of the Southern Police District (SPD), said he relieved Superintendents Maurito Carangian of Taguig and Ritchie Salem of Pateros, both assistant chiefs of police for operations. 

 He said Carangian and Salem may be assigned at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). Superintendent Clarence Gumiyak replaced Carangian while Superintendent Joey Goforth replaced Salem. 

 Apolinario said the Taguig and Pateros police stations did not perform well in the war on drugs, prompting the relief of the two key officials based on the assessment conducted by the District Oversight Committee (DOC).

 Aside from the poor performance, Apolinario said that Carangian was relieved after one of his men was arrested for operating an unregistered public utility vehicle. 

He said the DOC also considered the stations’ efficiency in solving crimes, management of police operations and police-community relations from January to June 10.

Apolinario also told The STAR that this should serve as a warning to the chiefs of the Taguig and Pateros police to redouble their efforts in the drug war.

2 drug suspects slain in shootouts

Two alleged drug pushers were killed in separate alleged shootouts since Thursday night.

In Pasay, a man identified only as Seniel was slain in an alleged shootout with anti-narcotics police along Buendia Extension near the Amazing Philippines Theater at around 3:30 a.m. yesterday. 

A video of the sting obtained by The STAR showed the shootout between Seniel and Police Officer 3 Carlo Sison, who was posing as a buyer.

 A homemade .38 caliber revolver, three fired 9mm bullet casings and seven sachets of shabu were recovered at the crime scene. 

Meanwhile, Alexander Dimalanta was shot dead by a team led by Chief Inspector Edison Ouano during a sting in the Manila North Cemetery at around 6:20 p.m., according to  Senior Inspector Edward Samonte, Manila Police District Station 3 intelligence chief.

Dimalanta’s companion, who was not named, was arrested. – Ghio Ong, Rey Galupo