CEBU, Philippines – The policeman who was accused of protecting vehicle-thieves in Mandaue City denied involvement in the illegal activity.
PO2 Bernie Batarilan's denial was made in front of Cebu Provincial Police Office Director (CPPO) Erson Digal yesterday.
Batarilan was arrested by the Mandaue City's Investigation Detective Management Branch (IDMB) in an entrapment operation at Hernan Cortes St. last Friday afternoon.
But Batarilan said his passion for motorcycles is being used against him. He does not even know Kevin Cimafranca, 19, he stressed.
Cimafranca, of Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City was the first one arrested by the police and told the police about Batarilan's "involvement."
"Wa jud ko kamayong ana niya, wa sad koy kalabutan," he told reporters. (I don't even know him. I'm not involved in that.)
An IDMB personnel pretended to buy from Cimafranca an XRM motorcycle, which had no plate number, for P5,000.
When Cimafranca was arrested, he boasted of having a police protector from the provincial police and named Batarilan.
The IDMB team headed by Inspector Ramil Morpos sent a text message to Batarilan using Cimafranca's mobile phone. They agreed to meet at the North Reclamation Area (NRA) for the payment of the motorcycle.
When Batarilan arrived, Insp. Morpos invited him for investigation. But he was released after the IDMB failed to confirm that the motorcycle was stolen.
Cimafranca was detained because the police confiscated marijuana from him. He is facing charges for possession of illegal drugs and driving without license.
Batarilan said he went to the NRA not to get the payment but to check its legality.
"Klaro man nga gi-implicate ra ko aning Kevin, manggamit og pulis aron maluwas," he said. (It's clear he is implicating me to save himself.)
Erson Digal will wait for the complaint from the Mandaue City police and would task the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) to conduct another investigation.
Earlier, Batarilan's name was also linked with the illegal operation of video carrera machines but Digal said this has yet to be confirmed.
Batarilan used to be with the Bantayan Police Station but was reassigned to the Mobile Group, then to the Capitol detachment. His most recent assignment, however, was with the Provincial Service Security Group (PSSG).
Batarilan said he is prepared to face the allegations in court to clear his name.
"Dili mahimo nga kita otoridad itudlo lang ta kung sila'y makahimo og salaod," he said. (They couldn't just point at us authorities whenever they commit something illegal). (FREEMAN)