Doria wants media to witness entrapment operations by cops

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Joel Doria has ordered his men to invite the media during entrapment operations against those who will offer bribe to policemen for the release of arrested suspects.

“Ang last instructions natin sa station commanders, pag may huli sila sa drug related cases, definitely may mag-attempt (to bribe). I-set up ang entrapment and inform the media para at least covered,” Doria said.

His directive came after an entrapment operation was conducted by Parian policemen early morning on Tuesday.

The operation led to the arrest of Yvonne Lyra Ho, 47, a businesswoman who reportedly offered P20,000 to PO1 Nixon Miranda for the release of one Crisbeb Chavez, 26.

Chavez and two other personalities were arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Lorega Tuesday dawn that resulted in the confiscation of 60 small sachets of illegal drugs worth P14,000.

Ho admitted she knew it was illegal to negotiate for the release of an arrested suspect.

Doria said Ho’s arrest serves as an example that law enforcers are doing their job religiously and that the mistake of one does not generalize the efforts of the rest of the organization.

Recently, PO3 Ritchie Saquilabon of Parian Police Station was arrested for allegedly demanding P20,000 from the mother of a drug suspect.

Saquilabon was arrested by the Counter-Intelligence Task Force on March 28 and was charged with robbery extortion.

After Saquilabon’s foiled extortion, all the 39 cops of Parian police were relieved and subjected to undergo a moral enhancement course.

Those who arrested Ho were among the new members of Parian police station.

Doria said he will give a commendation award to the police officers of Parian for their exemplary deed. —  MBG (FREEMAN)