PRO-7 orders probe into Argao ransacking incidents

CEBU, Philippines — The Provincial Regional Office (PRO)-7 has ordered the investigation of the ransacking of houses in the Municipality of Argao, south of Cebu.

According to PRO-7 spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, Regional Director Brigadier General Anthony Aberin disclosed that their superiors have already issued an order to conduct an investigation regarding the incident of the ransacking of houses last April 16, 2024.

The ransacking took place in Sitio Himongbongan, Barangay Taloot, Argao, wherein two houses were said to have been ransacked by around ten people who were wearing masks and armed.

The masked individuals reportedly took money and belongings and identified themselves as members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The PDEA, on their part, has clarified that they had no such operation.

The PDEA further condemned the action that caused trouble to the residents and said they are closely coordinating with the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) of PRO-7 has assured that they are intensifying their investigation.

They are also looking to see if there are any police involved and said the PRO-7 will never hesitate to file a case if so.

“Inyong mahinumduman ang sige nga gibalik-balik sa atong Regional Director kining going back to basic so obviously we will always adhere to the police operational procedure in the conduct of police operations, ”said Lt. Col. Pelare.

If any police or unit is found involved in the incident, they will face administrative and criminal charges, said Pelare.(CEBU NEWS)