CCPO cops accuse agents of PDEA of harassment

CEBU, Philippines - Some members of Cebu City Police Office claimed that they were harassed by the group of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 agents while at a beach resort in Pinamungajan town last Saturday evening.

The group of Sr. Insp. Sara Jane Recla was celebrating their winning of a shooting competition at Ygay Beach Resort in Barangay Tajao when the PDEA agents arrived and allegedly pointed their guns at them. The PDEA agents then allegedly searched their vehicles.

The PDEA agents, reportedly led by agent Mark Dave Maramba coordinated with the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CCPO) after receiving a report from the residents of the town that there was an armed group wearing PDEA shirts.

Sr. Supt. Jesus Gaquing said they were just assisting the PDEA agents to check the report after PDEA-7 director Randy Pedroso told him that they did not dispatch any personnel to the town.

Gaquing immediately ordered the Provincial Intelligence Bureau (PIB), led by Insp. Richie Salva, along with the Special Rescue Unit (SRU) to look into the report.

SPO2 Allan Tundag, officer-in-charge of Pinamungajan Police Station, said after he received a call from Gaquing, he immediately ordered his men to assist the PDEA.

“Pag adto namo dili man mao ang info nga nadawat kay ang report Nissan Terrano ang sakyanan sa mga tao nga nagpa-PDEA-PDEA pero L300 van man pero mao hinuon ang plate number ug wala man gani search nga nahitabo,” Tundag said.

He said when they arrived at the resort they were not able to see Recla because the people were already sleeping and that they did not check the vehicle because the info was not accurate.

“Ang sa PDEA lang ang pagtan-aw kay basin naay usurpation of authority nga nahitabo pero wala may pagpang-ransack ug pagpaniun nga nahitabo,” he said.

He said that on Sunday morning, he went to the place and talked to Recla about the incident.

However, CCPO director Patrocinio Comendador said they have witnesses to support the filing of a complaint against the PDEA-7 agents.

Gaquing said he would conduct investigation into the issue. - Gabriel C. Bonjoc/LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)