Sampaloc anti-drug cops face dismissal

Summary dismissal proceedings are being readied against the Sampaloc, Manila station anti-illegal  drugs (SAID) unit chief and six of his men over their alleged “hulidap” activities.

This developed as two more of their alleged victims filed complaints yesterday at the General Assignment Section (GAS) of the Manila Police District (MPD), naming Chief Inspector Resty Nicandro and Sampaloc SAID police officers Senior Police Officer 1 Maurito Reneido, PO2 Christopher Pantaleon, PO1 Victorino Salao, SPO1 Benedicto Llorica, PO2 Jesus de Leon and PO1 Ernesto Pacierto, as the ones who picked them up on Oct. 28 and forced them to pay in exchange for their release.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. ordered MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales to hasten the filing of summary dismissal proceedings against the seven policemen if evidence warrants.

“We will throw the book at them and make sure that they suffer the consequences of their action. Right now, we are awaiting their counter-affidavits. But with information that several of their victims are now willing to come out in the open to expose their illegal activities I’m confident that the least they can suffer is dismissal from service,” Rosales said.

Even Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has shown his interest in the outcome of the case against the concerned SAID men after hearing reports of their alleged illegal activities. Victims Carlo Clavecilla, 30, and Emmanuel Enriquez Jr., 35, told Chief Inspector Nelson Yabut, chief of the criminal investigation and detection unit, that they were encouraged to surface after hearing that Nicandro and his men were arrested.

Clavecilla said that on Oct. 28, SAID policemen handcuffed him and detained him for two days without any formal charges. He alleged that the policemen had taken his wallet that contained P3,000 cash, an P18,000 wristwatch and his motorcycle.

He said Nicandro also received P50,000 from his mother in exchange for his release, and that Nicandro also showed interest in his ex-wife when she came over for a visit. He told investigators that he will bring her over to file sexual harassment charges against Nicandro.

Enriquez said the same SAID policemen picked him up at his house on the same night. The policemen also took five wristwatches, two cellular phones, a PlayStation, cash and his motorcycle. He said he was also asked P50,000 for his release, but he failed to give them money.

Enriquez said the policemen released him after beating him up, but did not return his belongings.

Nicandro and his men refused to meet the two accusers face to face, citing their rights. The two complainants identified Nicandro and his men on Yabut’s file.

Rosales said at least five more victims will arrive at the GAS office today to file their complaints.       – Nestor Etolle