Transfer of cops not punishment - Nerez

CEBU, Philippines - Regional Police Director Lani-O Nerez said yesterday that the re-assignment of the three controversial Talisay City cops to Pilar, Camotes is not a punishment but only an administrative sanction.

PO2 Roy Sarsaba, PO2 Martin Gorosin III and PO3 Eric Enad were re-assigned to Pilar, Camotes after the relative of a drug suspect accused them of allegedly extorting money to downgrade the case that would be filed against the drug suspect.

 The three were subjected to an entrapment operation by the National Bureau of Investigation but reportedly evaded using no less than their patrol car.

Nerez said yesterday the three are at risk of facing a heavier penalty should they be proven to have indeed extorted money from the drug suspect.

Nerez said the regional police office and provincial police office are looking into the incident but will not initiate the filing of a formal complaint since it is the National Bureau of Investigation that is leading the investigation.

Nerez said whatever the regional office will be able to come up with will be submitted to the Ombudsman and to the National Police Commission.

Complainant Elvincito Baguio alleged that the three policemen were meeting him at the gym near the old Talisay City Hall to get the P50,000 they demanded to downgrade the drug case against his niece.

 Sarsaba, Gorosin, and Enad, however, denied the allegation, saying many drug suspects are trying to get back at them because they have been rounding them up successfully.

 “Init na sila kaayo namo because one week lang, daghan na ming nadakpan…daghan man mi gud naligsan nga mga tawo, mga dagkong level,” Gorosin said.

 Baguio ’s niece Maridel Obrero was arrested by the Talisay City Police in barangay Tangke during a saturation drive.

Baguio alleged it was Sarsaba who told him they will file a complaint for possession of illegal drugs instead of pushing if they can produce P100,000. Baguio said they reportedly were able to haggle for P50,000.

Baguio then sought the help of the NBI who initiated the entrapment operation. – Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)