Mabolo cops rewarded for declining bribe

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has given Mabolo Police Station P30,000 in monetary reward yesterday after its officer refused to accept a bribe from a former cop last month.

"It would just show that we recognize and respect those who help us in our trust sa peace and order," Osmeña said.

The money taken from the mayor’s own pocket is intended for the station’s ‘salu-salo.’ The station has 89 police personnel.

Chief Inspector Clark Arriola, the station commander, said the cash reward was unexpected.

"Wala mi nag-expect, wala mi maghuna-huna nga naa’y reward nga ihatag. Actually, this is part of the job of police officers," he said.

Osmeña has also lauded Senior Police Officer 1 Alan Caumeran for his commendable act.

Caumeran will also be recognized during the city's Charter Day on February 24. He is set to receive P50,000 reward.

The deed has reached Osmeña on January 29. “I will personally contribute 20,000 pesos, 2 lechons, and unli-beer for a salu-salo for the men of the Mabolo Station at a time of their choosing. Proud to have honest police like them,” reads Osmena’s Facebook status.

The suspect, retired Senior Police Officer 3 Antonio Tabug, 50, allegedly offered P50,000 to Caumeran so his friend, a certain Roselle Paculaba, can be released from the detention cell.

Caumeran immediately reported it to his higher-ups.

Mabolo operatives led by Arriola immediately arranged an entrapment operation against Tubag.

During the operation on January 28, when Tubag handed the money to the covert cops, Mabolo police declared that it was foiled bribery and arrested the suspect.

Tubag's companion, a certain Juvy Marabillas, 37, was also arrested.

Police also recovered two medium-size packs of suspected shabu from Tubag and two sachets of the same from Marabillas.

Police said Tubag is considered as a high-value target.

Tubag is facing multiple criminal charges for violating Section 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 and for bribery.

Marabillas, on the other hand, is facing charges of corruption of a government official and Section 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of RA 9165. —KBQ (FREEMAN)