New Angeles CIDG chief appointed

ANGELES CITY, Philippines  – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has named a new chief here after sacking its entire local force, which has been accused of framing up and extorting from bar owners.

CIDG chief Director Leon Nilo de la Cruz appointed Chief Inspector Ednor Megarejo, who used to head the group’s Aurora unit, to replace Chief Inspector Randy Glenn Silvio who, in turn, was assigned to Camp Olivas.

De la Cruz said he would also replace all local CIDG personnel who served under Silvio.

De la Cruz said he has ordered an investigation into reports that Silvio and his men have framed up, blackmailed and extorted money from bar owners here.  

Silvio could not be reached for comment, as he did not report to work at Camp Olivas yesterday.

But a local newspaper, Punto, earlier quoted Silvio as denying the allegations and claiming that the raids conducted by his men were based on “walk-in complaints,” including one from a relative of an underage girl employed in a bar.

City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, however, cited reports that minors were merely used as bait for extortion schemes and that in some cases, the CIDG personnel were allegedly in cahoots with even the mothers or other relatives of these minors.

Pamintuan met last week with Senior Superintendent Danny Bautista, city police chief, and operators of several local tourism establishments who sought their help against the CIDG personnel.

Senior Superintendent Richard Albano, CIDG Central Luzon chief, urged the victims of extortion to help in their investigation against Silvio and his men.

Albano, however, said the relief of Silvio and his men merely coincided with the current reshuffle of police personnel who have completed or exceeded their tour of duty.      – With Ric Sapnu