Controversial police officers to be relieved

CEBU, Philippines - A policewoman who is facing investigation for allegedly trying to discourage a rape victim from filing a complaint against two Pakistanis early this month has been recommended for summary hearing for the administrative case of grave misconduct.

The Provincial Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force (PAIDSOTF) and Provincial Intelligence Division and Management Branch (PIDMB), tasked to investigate the case, had established that PO2 Vilma Degamo of the Danao police station had discouraged the girl from filing a complaint against the two Pakistanis.

Early this month, Ahmael Ullah, 19, and his cousin Muhammad Nabi Gul Nabi, 31, were accused of raping their 16-year-old house help in their rented house in sitio Masigbit, barangay Liburon, Carcar City.

Degamo, who is assigned to the Danao City police's intelligence section, denied the allegations, saying she was in Carcar town to conduct a follow-up investigation of a case she was handling.

She admitted that the lawyer of the two Pakistanis was a friend.

While she was in Carcar, Degamo said she never talked with the victim's relatives and asked only for the identity of a person she was looking for.

She said she informed her team leader that she will do a follow-up investigation in Carcar town.

But Supt. Elmer Lim, chief of the Danao police, said he wasn't told about the follow-up investigation.

Earlier, Senior Supt. Erson Digal, director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), said both the Provincial Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force (PAIDSOTF) and Provincial Intelligence Division and Management Branch (PIDMB) were tasked to investigate the case of Degamo.

“Nakita gyud sa investigation nga siya ni kumbinsi sa bata nga dili na lang mu-file ug case against sa suspects,” Digal said.

Meanwhile, PO2 Edward Molina of Compostela police station will be relieved, for allegedly demanding money from drivers of the Ceres bus company.

Digal said the case of Molina has dropped because he had asked for a certification from Ceres company indicating that it was not pursuing the case against him.

“Everytime mulabay ang mga driver, mangayo ni si Molina ug kwarta, unya wala sad ni siya’y admin case kay wala nama’y complainant mu-file,” Digal said.

While SPO1 Camilo Abaquita who is being questioned for allegedly meddling in a police operation outside his area of responsibility will also be relieved as he is still under investigation.

Abaquita arrived at the fire scene and volunteered to bring the explosive materials to the Tabuelan police station using his vehicle.

“Namugos man daw ni si Abaquita nga isakay sa iyang sakyanan. Ang pulis gani nga niresponde ingon nga sa ila lang patrol isakay, “ Digal said.

Senior Insp. Florendo Fajardo, Tabuelan police chief, confirmed that SPO1 Abaquita arrived at the police station with the explosive materials.

But Digal said he had to check reports that the materials were incomplete.

Digal said an investigation will be conducted to identify the owner of the explosive ingredients and the source.

“Gusto jud nako ma imbistigahan ning maong hitabo kay basin unya ug nay police nga nagpaluyo ani, “ Digal added.

Digal said that Degamo, Abaquita and Molina will soon be relieved.

He said that he is still waiting for the confirmation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).   (FREEMAN NEWS)