Cop chief may face admin raps for release of detainee

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Branch recommended the filing of an administrative case of grave misconduct against former Compostela Police Station chief Senior Inspector Samuel Romanillos for allegedly releasing a foreign detainee who was arrested for illegal drugs.

In an interview, Superintendent Rodolfo Albotra, Provincial Intelligence Branch and PIDMB chief, said they have concluded the pre-charge evaluation against Romanillos and have submitted it to the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division-7.

Albotra said because the penalty for grave misconduct is beyond the authority of the provincial director, he has submitted their findings to RIDMD. It is up to them whether they will concur with the findings, he said.

Albotra added that based on the facts that they have gathered, the PIDMB investigator recommended for a conduct of an administrative proceeding against Romanillos for grave misconduct.

“Ang pre-charge evaluation humana, we recommend for the conduct of admin proceedings for grave misconduct against Romanillos,” Albotra said.

The pre-charge evaluation stemmed after a complaint was lodged in his office against Romanillos for allegedly releasing an arrested foreign national who was earlier arrested for reportedly using and possession of marijuana.

Romanillos said Albotra allegedly decided not to file a charge against the suspect upon his instruction.

“During the conduct of the evaluation, it was found out that it was the sole instruction of the chief of police then, who was Insp. Romanillos, not to pursue the filing of the case,” Albotra said.

“Dako kaayo na’g tulobagon sa chief of police nga siya maoy ni-decide which should not be the case. The investigators have already prepared the necessary documents for filing and the arresting officers have already prepared the necessary affidavits supporting the filing of the case. However, the case was not filed due to the instruction of the chief of police,” Albotra narrated.

And after the new chief of police, Chief Inspector Fructoso Lim assumed his post, the case was filed against the foreigner, Albotra said.  There is allegation that Romanillos received money from the arrested foreigner but they could not validate the said report, according to Albotra.

After the conduct of the pre-charge evaluation, Romanillos was assigned at the provincial headquarters to prevent him from influencing the outcome of the investigation.

The FREEMAN tried to contact Romanillos but he was not available to comment. — Bryner L. Diaz/JMD (FREEMAN)