3 cops tagged in drug trade deny accusations

CEBU, Philippines - Three of the nine cops tagged in the illegal drug trade in Cebu City met with the chairman of the city’s peace and order council yesterday to deny the allegations against them.

Councilor Dave Tumulak said only two spoke while the third remained silent throughout the meeting.

“At least, nadungog gihapon nato gikan mismo nila, straight from their mouth nga dili tinuod nga protector but naa’y usa adto nga wa motingog,” Tumulak said.

They reportedly admitted being in the drug trade before but denied any involvement at present.

“Naa sa’y uban mahibong sila giduldulan sila og kwarta...naa’y mogukod nila motunol unya moingon ‘pang-snack ninyo sir’ pero wa sila kahibawo kinsa nihatag. Isud man sa bulsa unya modagan na dayon ang nihatag,” Tumulak shared.

 Tumulak said he reminded the cops to avoid places where their actions can be misinterpreted.

“Atong gibadlong nga ayaw na mo adto sa balay sa suspek. Ayaw na mo kaon sa gawas sa balay sa suspek. Kay ang perception sa mga silingan moingon ka kauban mo nila,” he said.

Despite the denial, Tumulak clarified that the cops are not cleared fully from liability and would be subjected to constant monitoring. 

He said he understands the three cops and they also deserve a second chance, pointing out, nevertheless, that “they themselves can clear their names.”

Tumulak revealed earlier that they have a list of nine police officers – from PO1 to PO3 – who are involved in the illegal drug trade. These policemen, he said, are suspected smalltime drug protectors who allegedly accept bribes from drug personalities in exchange of protection.

 Other policemen allegedly take away the personal items of the drug suspect who is subject of a search warrant.

The Cebu City Police Coordinating and Advisory Council urged the Police Regional Office to investigate the allegations and to furnish the city government its findings.

“Police personnel should set as an example as law abiding citizens because they have to enforce the law,” said Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, the chairman of PCAC.

Tumulak himself said earlier that once allegations are proven, the cops should not only be relieved from their posts but put to jail.

Jail arrest

Meanwhile, Labella disclosed yesterday that a woman who was visiting an inmate at the city jail was arrested for attempting to smuggle in nubain.

Quoting Jail Warden Supt. Johnson Calub, Labella said the woman was identified as Irish Jane Valero. She was visiting her partner, Michael Sansan, when the ampule of nubain dropped from her private part when she was being frisked.

“The said visitor was immediately placed under arrest, the contraband seized, marked and inventoried pursuant to provisions of R.A. 9165 ("Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002"),” the report from the jail reads.

“Appropriate criminal complaint will be filed against the apprehended visitor who was turned-over to PNP station 9, Cebu City for temporary detention while the seized contraband item has been submitted to PNP Regional Crime Laboratory for the conduct of qualitative and quantitative examinations,” it reads further. —(FREEMAN)