Napolcom probing 3 Bacolod cops linked to illegal drugs

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - – The Region 6 office of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) is investigating at least three members of the Special Operations Group of the city police for allegedly receiving bribes from local financiers of the illegal drug trade.

Regional chief investigation unit head Inspector IV Napoleon Arostique of Napolcom-Region 6, lawyer Jorelyne Gasataya and Inspector II Felix Leo Loriega are here to validate reports linking several policemen to the illegal drug trade.

Arostique cited a letter-complaint sent to Napolcom-Region 6 office, a copy of which was furnished to the Office of the President, that several policemen act as protectors of drug dealers.

Citing their initial investigation, Arostique said they recovered money remittance receipts, amounting to P80,000, paid as bribe to law enforcers.

Senior Superintendent Larry Decena, officer-in-charge of the Bacolod City police, said two of the three policemen tagged as protectors of drug dealers, have been relieved of their posts pending investigation, while the third policeman has been absent without official leave for more than a week.