House panel to probe CIDG unit's relief

MANILA, Philippines – The House committee on dangerous drugs will summon Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome to shed light on the controversy surrounding his order to relieve the entire Batangas unit of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for alleged involvement in “hulidap” and kidnappings. 

Lanao del Norte Rep. Vicente Belmonte, who chairs the panel, said in a text message that “we will call the attention of the PNP and parties concerned as soon as Congress resumes session on May 7.”

Several CIDG agents cried foul over their relief and denied allegations that they arrested and demanded P1 million from the family of alleged drug offender Christina Rodriguez in exchange for her release. Succeeding negotiations with Rodriguez’s kin allegedly further reduced the amount to P400,000.

Bartolome relieved all CIDG-Batangas personnel led by Chief Inspector Jay Agcaoili and reassigned them to the Police Holding and Administrative Unit at Camp Crame in Quezon City to ensure their availability during the inquiry and prevent them from influencing the investigation.

“This is part of our continuing program to eliminate dysfunctions in the organization arising from irregularities committed by deviants in uniform,” Bartolome said.

Belmonte said, “We need to know the details first before we define if there’s a need for an investigation in aid of legislation.” 

The CIDG personnel vowed to clear their names.