4 cops under probe for 'irregularities' during arrest

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Police Office will look into the alleged lapses committed by the chief of the Medellin Police Station and three of his men when arresting two men last November 24 for possession of a packet of shabu.

Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said he will direct the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch to handle the inquiry against Inspector Manuel Singson, PO3 Bonifacio Asingua, intelligence operative, PO1 Jose Inso and PO1 Louie Misa all of Medellin Police Station.

Asingua is being accused of using the the Kawasaki Fury motorcycle with plate number 7683-IO that they confiscated from Borgy Oplas and his companion Josephus Cobadora.

The motorcycle was already under police custody at the police station when Asingua allegedly used the same reportedly because the tire of his own motorcycle got deflated.

The motorcycle is supposed to serve as evidence against Oplas and Cobadora. The two were apprehended during a saturation drive in Barangay Canhabagat, Medellin about 8:50pm on November 24.

Oplas was later released from custody because according to the police, the packet of shabu was confiscated from Cobadora. The latter reportedly was able to run away during frisking.

“Wala namo na-filan kay wala man nakuhaan but naa mi special report nga i-submit pa,” Singson said, referring to Oplas. What was ironic, however, is that only Oplas’ name appeared on the report entered on the blotter last November 26.

The blotter indicated that the police flagged down Oplas’ motorcycle, ordered the suspect to raise his shirt and found the packet of shabu tucked on his waist.

Comendador said that the spot report is made right then and there based on the incident, but a progress report reportedly stipulates the development of the case.

“Kana hinuong motor bawal na but we still have to establish facts if naay nakakita nga gigamit better if he will have an affidavit,” Comendador said.  (FREEMAN)