PRO-7: Show proof vs cops behind drugs

CEBU, Philippines – The Police Regional Office-7 is urging those who alleged some policemen are involved in illegal drug trade to show up to their headquarters and bring evidence with them so that they could really teach misbehaved officers a lesson.

Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, chief of the Regional Directorial Staff in PRO-7, said this move will also allow accused policemen, or even government officials, to be treated fairly on the matter.

Lawas, though, admitted they have received information on policemen allegedly protecting some illegal drug personalities within the region.

“In fact, some (reports) reached national headquarters and we are directed to conduct validation and confirm this information,” said Lawas.

He said many names of cops have come up.

He said the PRO-7 director, Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, has already directed concerned units to conduct investigation and if ever it will be proven with evidence, then they will surely file administrative cases.

Lawas said that as far as he knows, no police officer accused of being a protector of an illegal drug personality had been arrested.

Some of the complaints filed against questioned police personnel have already been dismissed for lack of evidence while some policemen are still being investigated.

“That’s why we encourage the community to help us determine the policemen who are coddlers or protectors. Kay kami, we could not do it if wala’y evidence. So we encourage you to stand as witness,” said Lawas. — Ma. Fatima R. Secuya/JMD (FREEMAN)