In exchange for proof vs. erring cops: Tom offers reward to Intel Chief

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday offered to give a reward to Sr./Supt. Augusto Marquez, chief of the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division, if he can substantiate reports that there were cops who released drug suspects in exchange for money.

Reports that reached the mayor talked of seven policemen from the Carbon and San Nicolas police stations who released drug suspects after they were given money. The cops also reportedly did not record the arrests of the said drug suspects in the police blotter.

Osmeña said he will give Marquez a reward if he is able to prove the allegations. The city government also promised to help in the prosecution of the erring policemen.

"We will look into this matter. If possible, we will put these policemen under suspension," the mayor said during his regular press conference yesterday.

In a separate interview, Marquez confirmed that the allegations against the seven policemen are true. He, however, did not divulge their names because they are still under investigation. The cops, he added, released drug suspects in exchange for money on three occasions.

Marquez said his men are now in the process of convincing the complainants to formally file complaints through his office. - Mitchelle P. Calipayan and Flor Z. Perolina