Release of drug suspect puts town police chief in trouble

The regional police office has ordered S/Insp. Noli Cernio, chief of Asturias Police Station, to explain why he allowed the release of a detained drug suspect without filing any charges.

S/Supt. Ronald Roderos, deputy regional police director for administration, issued the order yesterday through the Cebu Provincial Police Office.

The action of the regional police stemmed from the June 25 letter sent by a concerned citizen of barangay Sta. Lucia to S/Supt. Lani-O Nerez, deputy regional police director for operation, with a copy of the blotter.

The letter stated that a certain Richard Estela, 28, of the said place, was arrested by PO1 Manuel Blones and PO1 Gerald Awit last May 21 for possessing shabu.

However, the suspect was allegedly released from police custody with no subsequent charges filed against him.

Roderos' order mandated Cernio to explain within 24 hours upon receipt of the memorandum why the town police released Estela without the filing of appropriate charges. - Gregg M. Rubio