New EPD chief warns cops vs protecting drug rings

MANILA, Philippines - Police officers should avoid getting involved in the illegal drug trade, particularly in protecting drug syndicates, newly installed Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta said yesterday.

“I don’t want the personnel of the EPD to be involved in the protection of drug syndicates and in the use and selling of illegal drugs,” he told police officers gathered at the EPD.

The new EPD director vowed to eliminate illegal drugs in eastern Metro Manila, particularly in Marikina City and Pasig City.

Government agents busted a shabu “tiangge” or flea market in Pasig City in 2006 and at least 150 people were arrested, including its operator Amin Imam Boratong and his wife, Sheryl Molera.

Both Boratong and Molera are serving life sentences at the New Bilibid Prison. A government witness, who has been killed, testified that at least 22 Pasig police officers protected Boratong’s drug ring.

Villacorta said the Pasig City police are still rounding up the remaining members of Boratong’s syndicate, eight years after the drug market was shut down.

He said while he will crack down on police officers involved in the illegal drug trade, he will also be quick to reward deserving police officers.

“Proper recognition should be given without hesitation to outstanding policemen. But those who are not doing their job well and not doing the right thing will have to receive a dose of their own medicine,” Villacorta said.