NBI agents at fault in Cebu operation — Solon

Initial congressional inquiry showed that regular and confidential agents of the National Bureau of Investigation had violated NBI rules of engagement in a bungled drug operation last Dec. 13 where six innocent workers of the world-class Plantation Bay resort-hotel nearly got killed.

Cebu City Rep. Raul del Mar said it was apparent that there was no shootout between the NBI and the workers, and that the NBI men used unnecessary force.

"Going over the operation, I can say that there was a violation in the manner the NBI conducted the operation, especially in the use of force," Del Mar told The STAR in a telephone interview.

The NBI agents, without identifying themselves, flagged down a Mitsubishi L-300 van on Dec. 13 that was reportedly used by suspected drug suppliers.

The van, occupied by workers of Plantation Bay, did not stop, thinking that it was a robbery attempt. The NBI agents then pursued the van, firing for about 20 minutes until they learned their mistake and took the victims to a hospital.

The inquiry, conducted by the House committee on civil, political and human rights headed by Rep. Etta Rosales, was attended by Minority Leader Carlos Padilla, Cebu Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco, Akbayan party list Rep. Mario Aguja, Del Mar, and NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco.

"The NBI agents did not fire in self-defense because the workers were not armed. There was no shoot-out as only the NBI agents did the firing," Del Mar said.

He asked the NBI to stop the practice of appointing confidential agents.

"There were reports that the civilian confidential agents led to the bungling of the operations," Del Mar said.

Police have already filed frustrated and attempted murder charges against five regular NBI agents for their role in the Dec. 13 bungled operation The five are Teodoro Saavedra, Danilo Garay, Rey Tumalon, Arnel Cura and Angelito Magno.

Wycoco asked the police to also investigate the possible involvement of six civilian agents in the incident. They are Ben Pantano, Joey Cal, Pol Lauro, Allan Magallon, Noe Dimaunahan, and Ric Cruz. — Efren Danao