CHR to probe 2 cops in 'hulidap'

Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau chief Paul Labra II yesterday said the Commission on Human Rights would investigate the two policemen who were accused of stealing money from a disc jockey, aside from the possible criminal charges they would face.

Labra said they are now investigating the two policemen for any administrative liability and would automatically file administrative charges against them once the allegation is proven.

Romerick Tan, a disc jockey of a mobile station from Tacloban City, accused the two policemen of the Waterfront Police Station of stealing his I-pod, P22,000 cash and a cellular phone inside a hotel room last month.

Labra said that PO3 Ismael Gandionco, one of the suspects, has denied the allegation that he went to the hotel for an operation with a certain "Berto", reportedly a police asset.

The CIIB chief, however, said that based on the investigation and evidence, it was possible that both policemen were involved in the incident. He said that Tan's allegation seemed believable because police operatives recovered the victim's I-pod and P5,000 during a follow-up operation.

Labra said he would recommend to Cebu City Police Office director Melvin Gayotin the relief of the suspects and their transfer to the Security Service Group while the investigation is going on.

Labra added that a case could not be filed against "Berto", who is still at large, since the reglementary period has lapsed.

Tan told Labra that when he arrived in the city on March 11, "Berto" brought him to a hotel where they sniffed shabu.

During their shabu session, Tan said he noticed "Berto" calling somebody through his cellular phone, adding that the two policemen arrived later and took his money and other belongings. - Norvie S. Misa