Testifying cops told to get stories together
Policemen who are required to testify before the court against suspects they have arrested were advised to read their testimonies to avoid any conflict in their statements.
SPO4 Ernesto Navales of the Cebu Provincial Police Office intelligence and investigation branch said many policemen have issued conflicting statements in court leading to the dismissal of the case.
“Kinahanglan g’yod unta nga ang mga polis nga motestigos sa korte mobasa sila sa transcript of stenographic notes sa ilang kaubang polis aron malikayan ang panagsungi sa ilang mga ipanulti sa korte,” Navales said.
Last week, Regional Trial Court Judge Gabriel Ingles acquitted a suspected drug pusher in
SPO4 Reynaldo Vitualia claimed that it was he who picked up the four packets of shabu after these were dropped by the accused to the ground when he noticed the policemen approaching after he sold a pack of shabu to a poseur-buyer.
But another policeman who testified after him said it was him, and not Vitualia, who picked up the four packs of shabu after these were dropped to the ground by the accused.
“Usahay dili kalikayan nga makalimot na ta sa mga detalye tungod kay dugay na kaayo ang maong operation, apan kon mobasa lang sa transcript of stenographic notes sa testimonies sa polis nga unang mi-testify, tingali malikayan ang conflict,” Navales said. The rule of court provides that in case of doubts, the judge should resolve it in favor of the accused. —Rene U. Borromeo/BRP
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