10 anti-narcotics cops sacked for kidnap of Chinese trader

The 10-man anti-narcotics team of the Philippine National Police Narcotics Group (Nargroup) Metro Manila field office was relieved yesterday for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a Chinese businessman in Ermita, Manila last June 8.

Aside from administrative sanctions, Nargroup officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Ruben Cabagnot said criminal charges may also be filed against Senior Police Officer 4 Norberto Lozada, SPO2 Charlie Cosam, SPO1 Danilo Monte and one SPO1 Antonio.

"The relief and the investigation of the 10 men stemmed from the kidnapping and robbery complaint filed by the victim, a Chinese businessman, at the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF)," Cabagnot told The STAR.

But Cabagnot declined to identify the six other policemen who were relieved from their posts, saying only he did not know the details.

Sources revealed, however, revealed that one of the six men was Superintendent William Tangane of the Western Police District intelligence group and two of his men who were not identified.

The Chinese trader pleaded with the police to withhold his name for security reasons.

Cabagnot added that all the relieved members of the Nargroup narcotics unit were reassigned to the Operational Support Division at the PNP’s Camp Crame headquarters.

He said an investigation is still being undertaken to determine the liability of the six unidentified policemen.

"I will personally see to it that truth comes out during the investigation," he said. "We do not tolerate nor coddle personnel who use their authority in the conduct of their illegal activities."