Naga City policeman, his chief face probe

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman and his station chief are under investigation because of their failure to explain why the former did not attend the Provincial Police Intelligence Coordinating Committee conference of the Provincial Intelligence Branch Thursday in which a surprise drug test was conducted.

Supt. Rodulfo Albotra Jr., PIB chief, said that the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch will conduct a pre-charge evaluation against Naga City Police Station chief, Supt. Brendo Nacario, and PO3 Francisco Codiñera, an intelligence officer.

Albotra told The FREEMAN that he included Codiñera in the evaluation for his failure to supervise his personnel.

Of the 50 intelligence operatives, only 44 underwent the drug test last week.

Only intelligence officers from police stations of Naga City, Dumanjug, Borbon, Sogod, Sta. Fe and Poro failed to undergo the drug test.

“A week ago I informed them to attend the conference and there should be no replacement or substitution and of course they were also not informed of the drug test,” Albotra said.

Intelligence operatives of the six police stations were given 72 hours to submit their explanation but, as of yesterday, only Naga City Police Station failed to submit any.

“Kana kay wala sila ni-submit, that’s a ground that they waved their rights and automatic ang pre-charge,” Albotra said in a phone interview.

All personnel who submitted urine samples were tested negative of illegal drugs.

Albotra said as intelligence officers who are front liners in the operation against illegal drugs, it is necessary for them to set as examples.

“Moral ascendancy ba kay kita ang manakop dapat limpyo pud ta as prime movers,” Albotra said.

Albotra said last year he filed administrative charges against a police officer for the same reason. (FREEMAN)