Cops to probe Mapayapa’s ‘killing fields’

Police are now looking into reports that the raided drug compound in Pasig City could reveal mass graves for people executed by members of a drug syndicate.

Director Marcelo Ele Jr., commander of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF), said they are validating reports that the drug syndicate behind the drug operation at the Mapayapa Compound in Barangay Sto. Tomas have buried police assets on the 1,900 square-meter lot.

"Reports have started pouring in since we raided the drug den last Feb. 10. We are now on the second phase of our investigation and the ‘killing fields’ angle is now being pursued by our investigators," Ele told The Star.

Ele said even Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao had informed him that two women were among those killed by the drug syndicate, headed by a certain Dario.

The AIDSOTF chief said Mike Enriquez, host of the TV program "Imbestigador" also got wind of the drug den operations, but failed to expose the illegal activity because his "asset’ mysteriously disappeared.

Ele said he would talk with Enriquez to get a clear picture of what his "asset" had told him.

"The small community is deviant in terms of behavior and standard values based on the reports we have been receiving," Ele said.

He said the killing of police informants were carried out at the compound, which stands on a lot owned by one Amin Imam Buratong.

Buratong is now the subject of a manhunt by AIDSOTF agents.

Ele said they will start looking for the mass graves.

"We will excavate certain areas of the compound and see if we can recover the remains of the assets," he said.

The compound was demolished last Feb. 14 upon orders of Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio, who has been criticized for allegedly "destroying" the crime scene.

The demolition has prompted the Senate to initiate an inquiry into the drug den operations.

The AIDSOTF chief said he and his men are busy preparing documents for to their scheduled appearance before senators.