Police group to revive cases against Lacson

Senior and middle-grade police officers, belonging to the Reform the PNP (Philippine National Police) Movement, plan to revive cases against their former chief, Panfilo Lacson, particularly the celebrated Kuratong Baleleng case.

"We are now in the process of collating all the evidence for the possible reopening or filing of these cases," a member of the group said.

Lacson has thrown his hat into the political ring, aspiring for a seat in the Senate.

Besides the Kuratong Baleleng case, a police colonel, who spoke in behalf of the group, said they are now working on the possible reopening of the wiretapping case against Lacson and his men in the defunct Presidential Anti-Crime Commission; the summary execution of alleged Red Scorpion chief Joey de Leon in Bulacan and the abduction-slaying of De Leon’s niece and sister-in-law.

In another development, another Estrada ally, former presidential adviser on Mindanao economic affairs Lepeng Wee, faces an investigation into his importation of at least 39 drums of alleged toxic chemicals.

Acting Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Joemari Gerochi ordered the inquiry, and said that Lepeng Wee could face charges for alleged violations of the Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 (Republic Act 6969).

Gerochi said he has directed the Environmental Management Bureau, headed by Peter Abaya, to check whether the shipment was covered by proper documents.

If found guilty, Lepeng Wee, according to Gerochi, faces a fine of at least P500,000 and a prison term from 12 to 20 years.

The shipment reportedly came from Sabah. Two Malaysian businessmen claimed the chemicals were to be used in a foam factory that has yet to be built though. — Jaime Laude, Jose Rodel Clapano