PNP exec denies having hand in cop’s slay

MANILA, Philippines - One of 11 police officials named by slain Chief Inspector Elmer Santiago as being one of the players in the illegal drug trade and cybersex den operations in Bataan surfaced yesterday, claiming he is neither involved in Santiago’s murder nor in the illegal activities to which he was linked.

Superintendent Maristelo Manalo welcomed the investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Task Group Santiago and the National Bureau of Investigation on his classmate’s death “as it would serve as my vehicle to clear my name.”

Manalo, who is assigned at the Regional Police Holding Administrative Unit (RPHAU) of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said he could not think of any reason why Santiago – whom he described as his “close buddy” – would include him in the diagram he had drawn up.

“Our families get together on special occasions like birthdays. We are helping each other financially or in any kind of problem,” Manalo said in an interview.

Santiago named Manalo and some of their classmates in the Philippine National Police Academy Class 1996 in the diagram. A total of 11 police officials, 22 police officers and 11 civilians were named in the diagram, which was sent to the office of PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima.

Manalo said he was never assigned to Bataan while their other classmates named in the diagram are either under restricted custody or assigned elsewhere.

He said Santiago assured him that the diagram sent to Purisima last November did not mention his name and he was surprised that he had been included.

“He was like a brother as he always confided to me his problems. I will help his family the best I can to give him justice,” Manalo said.

Fateful visit

Earlier, NCRPO chief Director Carmelo Valmoria ordered the administrative relief of Superintendent Robin King Sarmiento, the deputy chief of the Paranaque City police, after his name also appeared in Santiago’s diagram. Sarmiento also belongs to PNPA Class 1996.

According to Manalo, his wife roused him from sleep at about 9 a.m. last April 16, telling him that Santiago and his wife, Agnes, were in their living room.

He said the Santiago couple discussed with him and his wife, Cory, the case filed against him by Sarmiento before the Parañaque City court.

“The couple claimed they ran out of money because of the case. So I told him (Santiago) to talk with our classmate and settle the issue once and for all because the continued court battle would cost them a lot of money. I even offered to convene the class officers to act as referees,” said Manalo.

Manalo said his wife accompanied the couple to their car. He said that as he was about to take a bath, he heard the sound of gunfire. He said he saw the Santiagos bleeding in the car, around 100 meters away from his house.

“My classmate was still breathing when I ordered the responding police car to bring him to the hospital. My wife, joined Agnes, in her trip to the same hospital,” Manalo said.

He denied reports that his brother, barangay chairman Marlon Manalo, prevented village watchmen from testifying. Manalo said the watchmen helped police officers facilitate traffic and secure the scene of the ambush.

“They will appear before any investigating body when summoned,” he added.”

Meanwhile, Central Luzon police director Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta said he approved the relief of five officials and 19 police officers to pave the way for the investigation being conducted by the NCRPO.

Santiago was on floating status at the Central Luzon Police’s Regional Personnel Holding and Administrative Unit at the time of his murder. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe