Just to invoke right to remain silent: Cop in death of ‘drug-dependent’ surfaces

CEBU, Philippines - A police officer who became controversial for his reported involvement in the death of an alleged drug dependent yesterday showed up before the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (RIDMD).

SPO2 Jonas Paquibot went to see RIDMD chief Sr. Supt. Armando Radoc to face the administrative case filed against him. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Kevin Palacio.

The police officer however said he decided to surface after more than a month of silence but just to invoke his right to remain silent.

Paquibot is facing an administrative case in relation to his alleged involvement to the death of 42-year old Balamban businessman, Jerome Bendebel, who is reported to be a drug dependent.

Bendebel was supposed to be brought to a private rehabilitation center in Cebu City instead landed at the Perpetual Succour Hospital. Despite efforts to revive him he was declared dead at past 3 o’clock before dawn on January 1, 2014.

Paquibot, through his lawyer, asked to reschedule the hearing for another date.

He further asked Radoc to furnish him a copy of the administrative complaint, saying he could not answer the allegations without knowing the nature of the complaint against him.

Radoc for his part denied outright Paquibot’s request and instead reminded him that he is still part of the police organization whose members are bound by its rules and regulation.

Radoc told reporters that Paquibot’s demeanor in so appearing in his office could be “more than a disrespect.”

He said he ordered the investigation to move forward with or without Paquibot’s cooperation.

It can be recalled that Paquibot, along with three other men, brought Bendebel from Balamban to Cebu City but the latter allegedly went amok inside a vehicle.

Earlier, the family of Bendebel reportedly showed disinterest in filing criminal charges. —/JRS (FREEMAN)