CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 believes it is best for the police offices in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu to change their radio frequencies following the discovery that the couple arrested recently in Mactan for drugs tapped in the police frequencies.
“Na-trace nato, naka-tap sila sa frequency sa duha ka police units. Atong i-inform ang Lapu-Lapu nga mag-change na sila og frequency,” said PDEA-7 Regional Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz.
The couple arrested, Manuel and Janice Godinez, were found with one kilo of shabu worth P6 million during the police operation last January 27.
Ruiz said it is important to change the frequencies so that other drug personalities can no longer track police operations.
“Ang ilaha lang (drug personalities), hilig lang sila mag-scan. Gi-scan-scan lang gyod nila. We could not see indicators nga naay inside job. Wala,” Ruiz said.
The director of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, Senior Supt. Rommel Cabagnot, said they will heed PDEA’s advice.
“Walang problema. Kung unsay pwede nato itabang para maresolba ang problema sa droga o anumang problema sa criminality nato, atoa nang buhaton. Normal ra man na kay naa man ta’y close-coordination sa tanan unit nato,” Cabagnot said.
He said, though, that exchange of information in anti-illegal drugs operations of the office is relayed through mobile phones, not handheld radios.
The same is being done in Mandaue City.
“Well, we are using cellphones kasi that is safe, in relaying information,” said Supt. Roberto Alanas, chief of the Mandaue City Police.
He said they will also heed PDEA’s advice so as not to compromise operations.
Meanwhile, Ruiz said cases have been filed against the Godinez couple.
“Na-filan na nato sila og kaso. Naghuwat nalang ta sa commitment order (from the court),” he said.
Manuel, 33, a former seaman, denied he and his wife were in possession of the one kilo of shabu and that they were spying on police operations.
He did admit being in possession of 25 grams, a high-powered firearm, and a police badge,
Janice, 36, is considered by PDEA as a high value target, being the former wife of the late Joel “Tongol” Nodalo, a well-known drug personality. PDEA has said Janice may have taken over Nodalo’s “business.” (FREEMAN)