PRO to investigate policeman "in drug trade"

CEBU, Philippines - The policeman whom a drug suspect accused of being the source of illegal drugs is reportedly a member of an illegal drugs group in Cebu City operating alongside two other policemen, according to an official.

These three policemen used to be assigned with the Cebu City Police Office but were relieved to the Police Regional Office (PRO) - 7 after they figured in a controversy, according to a reliable source.

Albert “Apar” Salem, who was arrested in a raid in Barangay Tanke, Talisay City, had already retracted his statement accusing the policeman as his supplier of illegal drugs.

Despite that, the PRO 7 will look into the allegation.

It was also revealed that a member of the group reportedly sent death threats to a police chief twice, after two of the group’s noted drug pushers were arrested in separate buy-bust operations.

In a separate interview with the police chief who asked for anonymity, he confirmed that indeed, a member of the group sent him death threats through text messages.

For his part, Sr. Supt. Orlando Ualat, chief of the Regional Directorial Staff of the PRO-7, said they will get the identity of the policeman involved despite the retraction made by Salem.

The regional headquarters has assured that they are ready to dismiss the policeman involved if proven.

The Talisay City police arrested Salem after they recovered illegal drugs weighing 10.5 grams during a search inside his house.

Violations of Sections 5 and 11 were filed at the Talisay City fiscal’s office against Salem.

— (FREEMAN)