6 city cops accused of protecting pusher

Six policemen assigned in Cebu City will face investigation following reports that they were protecting suspected big time drug pusher Epifras " Tatay Pepe" Regis.

As this developed, Cebu provincial police director S/Supt. Vicente Loot ordered the relief of SPO1 Raymund Enriquez prior to an investigation into allegations he demanded money from Regis for the release of Regis' son who was arrested for drugs.

Enriquez denied the accusation against him when he was interviewed over dyLA yesterday.

Cebu City police director Supt. Melvin Gayotin said he directed Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch chief Supt. Paul Labra II to investigate and submit recommendations to his office.

The name of the policemen came out in an interview with Regis' wife, Gloria, yesterday. She said that they give the policemen money for gasoline and even load for their cellphones. Some of the policemen were reportedly sponsors during the wedding of Regis' son last year.

Gayotin challenged Gloria to execute an affidavit to support her accusations, he said she should present proof of her claims so the accused policemen can have due process.

Regis was arrested along with his wife Gloria and their driver Christopher Omambac at a pension house in barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City, past 11 p.m. last Tuesday.

Gayotin said Regis is a wholesaler of illegal drugs, supplying shabu in Cebu City as well as neighboring cities and municipalities, he can reportedly sell one up to three kilos of shabu per week.

Gayotin told reporters yesterday that they already filed charges against Regis and his companions for drug possession. Regis is now in the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center after the court already issued a commitment order for him since he has a pending warrant of arrest.

Last week a policeman and a former policeman were arrested by operatives of the Vice Control Section for allegedly peddling drugs.

The arrest of PO1 Aldwin Vicada, assigned to the San Nicolas police station, and former policeman John Rey Catiri led to the speculation that there are more policemen involved in the drug trade.



Gayotin has ordered a separate investigation against them. - Jose P. Sollano and Edwin Ian Melecio