CIB cops face probe over ‘release’ of drug suspects

CEBU, Philippines - A group of policemen assigned at the City Intelligence Branch of the Cebu City Police Office will be investigated owing to allegations they received money in exchange for the release of drug suspects.

A concerned citizen who channeled the expose through media said the CIB cops arrested the suspects during an operation in Barangay Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City last Sunday afternoon.

Based on the informant’s text message, four drug runners were arrested when CIB operatives raided C. Padilla Street in Barangay Duljo-Fatima.

The CIB operatives allegedly confiscated “several” packs of shabu from the four suspects but the operation failed to make it into police records.

The informant alleged the CIB operatives released the four suspects in exchange for P75,000 each.

A spot report at the CIB office showed an anti-illegal drug operation was carried out in the area last Sunday afternoon but only 18-year-old Lito Paculanang was arrested after he was found with seven small sachets of suspected shabu.

In an interview, Paculanang said there were three of them arrested during the operation but the two others reportedly made him admit the crime so they would be released.

He denied being in possession of shabu. 

Paculanang said the two promised to get help from their boss who could bail him out of prison.

“Gisabotan man na namo tulo gud nga kung kinsa lang ang mapriso namo unya ako man ilang gipahiran bisan wala ko nakuhaan. Sugot lang pud ko kay piyansahan ra man kuno ko ugma (today),” Paculanang said.

He, however, refused to comment when asked why the two were released.

Superintendent Aileen Recla, chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of CCPO, said the office will look into the matter even without a formal complaint.

Recla said she understands that the supposed informant might fear for his or her life but urged that he/she gets in touch with the police.

She said the raiding team may be able to justify releasing the two suspects, as not all who are brought for interrogation are considered suspects but “that is another story” when allegations involve money. 

Should the allegation be proven, the policemen concerned may be dismissed from service.

CIB deputy chief, Inspector Gomersendo Mandawe, said they were surprised about the allegation but will cooperate in the investigation.  (FREEMAN)