PDEA to PNP: Stop protecting drug suspects

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio Santiago called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to stop providing security to two suspected drug traffickers based on claims they are receiving threats.

“How can we go after high-value targets that represent the higher echelon of organized drug syndicates when they are being given police protection?” he asked, referring to the case of Gerald Capitanea, the brother of a former police officer who was slain in a shootout with anti-narcotics agents in Makati City three months ago.

Santiago posed the question after learning that the PNP is now providing the suspect a 24-hour security detail based on a recommendation by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Gerald’s brother, former inspector Nathaniel Capitanea, was killed in a shootout with PDEA operatives who were serving a search warrant against Hong Chun Chan, a suspected member of a Chinese triad on Aug. 22 in a posh condominium unit in Makati City.

The Chinese national was previously arrested for his alleged involvement in the operations of a clandestine shabu laboratory in Barangay Pagsawitan, Sta. Cruz, Laguna that was dismantled on Oct. 31, 2007.

Santiago said Gerald failed to identify PDEA personnel who are allegedly threatening him.

Gerald is facing drug trafficking charges along with Norminda Galo, who is also being given police protection, Santiago said.

“This poses an unhealthy precedent whereby wanted drug personalities can obtain police protection by simply filing a complaint for alleged violation of human rights and invoking that they are under threat from drug law enforcement authorities,” Santiago complained.

“How can we possibly conduct surveillance and case build-up against those who are in the drug target list and watch list when they are being endorsed for police protection?” he said.

Santiago appealed to the CHR and the PNP to “reconsider their decision to provide protection for these people on account of their blatant involvement in illegal activities.”