Laguna cops in teen’s slay sacked

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Calabarzon police director Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz yesterday ordered the relief of 11 intelligence officers of the Laguna police in connection with the death of 16-year-old Johndy Helis and his companion Antonio Dalit in a drug sting in Biñan City on June 16.

Cruz said the policemen, who are facing pre-charge investigation for grave irregularity, were detailed at the personnel holding and accounting unit.

He said the family of Dalit expressed no interest in pursuing administrative or criminal cases against the policemen.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Helis’ mother Cristina, on the other hand, said she would submit her sworn statement after the burial of her son tomorrow.

“The Calabarzon investigation task group will wait for her complaint-affidavit for the filing of a criminal case,” Eleazar said.

He said autopsy results showed no sign that the fatalities were handcuffed as claimed by their relatives.

Eleazar reiterated his appeal to witnesses to cooperate in the investigation even as he assured their protection.

3 cop chiefs axed

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz, Calabarzon police director, said Capts. Emiliano Camama of Malvar, Batangas; Ruffy Taduyo of Pagsanjan, Laguna, and Ricky Gonzales of General Emilio Aguinaldo, Cavite were relieved from their posts for non-compliance with Eleazar’s Intensified Cleanliness Policy.

Cruz said the three were replaced by Capt. Aldrin Baysa, Maj. Clemente Garcia III and Capt. Jojit Ramos, respectively.

Camama was not wearing proper police uniform and failed to recognize his superior, who made a surprise visit to the police station.

Gonzales was sacked under the principle of command responsibility after one of his men was involved in indiscriminate firing.

“In Pagsanjan, they failed to clean their station and insisted that it was painted last January,” Cruz said.