Cop accused of coddling criminals disarmed, probed

Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales has ordered one of his men disarmed and investigated yesterday for allegedly being a protector of robbers and snatchers in the Quiapo area.

“The accusations are serious and merit a full-scale probe,” Rosales said, adding he will not tolerate the wrongdoings of his men.

SPO1 Chito Malaluan, assigned at the warrant and subpoena section of the Sta. Cruz police station, appeared before investigators of the General Assignment Section (GAS) yesterday for a face-to-face confrontation with his accuser, candle vendor Jose Araña, 49, who named him as his protector after he was arrested for allegedly snatching the cell phone of a nursing student in Quiapo Wednesday afternoon.

Araña said “all robbers... and snatchers in Quiapo remit their loot to Chito Malaluan,” and also claimed Malaluan beats him up each time he fails to remit his loot.

Malaluan denied the allegations. He said he had arrested Araña twice but charged him only with vagrancy in the absence of complainants.

Despite Malaluan’s denial, Araña maintained that Malaluan had recently asked him to produce a gas stove. “I was forced to snatch valuables again to give in to his demand, “ he said.

Both Malalauan and Araña submitted their respective affidavits to GAS commander Chief Inspector Froilan Uy, who recommendad that Malaluan be administratively charged with grave misconduct. He also ordered Malaluan’s transfer to the Headquarters Support Unit, where MPD personnel facing charges are assigned. – Nestor Etolle