‘Drug diagram’ cop a junkie, widow says

MANILA, Philippines - Slain Chief Inspector Elmer Santiago, who made a diagram naming at least 30 police officers allegedly involved in the reported illegal drug trade and cybersex den operation in Bataan, was a drug addict, according to his widow.

In her text message to her husband, Agnes blamed her husband’s abusive behavior on illegal drugs.

“This is the first and last time you will hurt me. Remember that: you hurt me because of drugs,” she said in Filipino in the text message she sent Santiago a day before he stormed the Parañaque City police station to confront his classmate, Superintendent Robin King Sarmiento.

Santiago’s cell phone was among the items seized from him on March 3, when he was arrested after confronting Sarmiento. Two hand grenades, a Jericho 9mm pistol, a Toyota Innova, an Armalite rifle, a Viper Super 38 pistol and assorted ammunition were reportedly also taken from Santiago.

The Parañaque City police filed illegal possession of firearms and explosives, car theft, and grave threats charges against Santiago.

The prosecutor’s office dismissed the illegal possession of firearms and explosives and car theft charges following Santiago’s contention that one of the grenades allegedly seized in his possession was “planted,” and that the Toyota Innova was neither his nor seized from his possession along with the other confiscated evidence.

Santiago posted bail two weeks ago for his temporary liberty.

Open secret

Agnes’ text message was used by Parañaque police station commander Senior Superintendent Ariel Andrade in a motion for reconsideration, claiming the city prosecutor erred in dismissing the charges against Santiago.

“The truth is, his being hooked on drugs was an open secret not only within his family members but even among his peers,” said Andrade in his appeal.

The motion for reconsideration was among the topics raised by Santiago and his wife when they visited his classmate, Superintendent Maristelo Manalo, in his home in Mandaluyong City on April 16.

Manalo said they wanted to borrow money to pay their legal fees, but he suggested that they settle the case with Sarmiento.

The Santiagos had just left Manalo’s house when unidentified assailants strafed their car. Santiago was killed while Agnes survived.

Senior Superintendent Wilson Caubat, deputy chief for operations of the Eastern Police District and concurrent head of Task Force Santiago, claimed that the victim’s alleged drug addication has no bearing in their investigation of his murder.

Manalo and Sarmiento have been transferred to the National Capital Region Police Office Regional Police Holding Administrative Unit. Their names appeared in Santiago’s diagram of the alleged illegal drug trade and cybersex den operations in Bataan.