Drug ring “reprisal” puts Bohol on alert

CEBU, Philippines - The whole province of Bohol has been placed under heightened alert following the death of an alleged big time drug lord and his companions Sunday.

Ex-cop Owen Rosales and four other alleged drug suspects were killed in a shootout during a hot pursuit operation conducted by the Bohol police following the ambush of Ubay police chief Sr. Insp. George Caña Saturday night.

Bohol Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Dennis Agustin said he issued the full alert status immediately after Caña’s death.

Agustin disclosed that some officials, himself included, of the Bohol police have been receiving death threats after the incident.

 â€œDi ko maintindihan yung Bisaya nila kaya ok lang sa akin… pag death threats yan, di ko na binabasa… constantly naman dati rati sunod-sunod ngayon nagsawa na rin ako,” Agustin said.  

He said the police remain on the offensive but he has cautioned his men to stay alert for possible retaliation. He said he is also studying the possibility of reshuffling his personnel.

Agustin said the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charge against surviving suspects has been filed Tuesday. The police are now awaiting results from the crime laboratory to see if the bullets that killed Caña match those used by Rosales’ group.

He also assured his men of his full support should the families of those who died during the shootout will press charges. He said the Bohol Provincial Police Office is ready to face the families of the casualties.

“Oo, lagi naman kasi honest to goodness yung mga report natin kaya lagi tayong guided ng batas,” he said.

Meanwhile, personnel of the National Bureau of  Investigation-7 went to Bohol after a certain Troy dela Cruz, a reported resort owner, sent fillers for surrender. Dela Cruz is now under tactical interrogation by the NBI.

Asst. Regional Director Dominador Cimafranca said Dela Cruz surrendered to the NBI-7 following Caña’s ambush and the arrest of those allegedly behind the attack.

Cimafranca said Dela Cruz surrendered to clear issues and the NBI is now documenting his statement. Dela Cruz cannot be presented to the press just yet for security reasons.

Caña was ambushed on Saturday night while heading to Ubay town when two black cars blocked his way in Talibon town, 200 meters away from his house in Barangay Balintawak.

Reportedly, at past 7 p.m., Caña had his dinner at the La Fortuna Chicken Lechon Eatery in Barangay San Jose, Talibon town.

Stay strong

At the Cebu Provincial Police Office, Sr. Supt. Noel Gillamac said what happened to Caña should not discourage policemen from staying true to their commitment of serving and protecting the community.

“If ma-discourage sila then I do not see any reason nganong magpulis pa sila,” Gillamac said.

CPPO’s campaign against illegal drugs in Cebu province has led to the arrest of drug personalities who are on the target list of the PIB.

One way to keep the PNP’s integrity and credibility, Gillamac said, is for policemen to ensure that they themselves follow the law to the letter.

“I also advised my men to refrain from planting of evidence if there are any kay mao nay masakitan sa tao (suspect) but, so far, wala tay nadawat nga reports nga namutang ug ebidensiya,” Gillamac said.

He said barangay officials are always present during inventory of evidence.

Drug personalities are often armed and dangerous but Gillamac continues to remind his men to always follow the rules of engagement.

“Kung ang kinabuhi napud sa kapulisan ang at stake, I better see a dead criminal than a dead policeman…I support them all the way,” he said. —(FREEMAN)