Pubdate: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 Source: Manila Times (Philippines) ml Copyright: 2003, The Manila Times Contact: http://www.manilatimes.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921 Author: Anthony Vargas, Correspondent PNP TO CHARGE COPS WHO BUNGLE DRUG CASES--EBDANE POLICE officers who fail to appear as prosecution witnesses in court face stiff administrative sanctions, the National Police chief, Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., warned on Tuesday. Ebdane had received reports that at least 24 criminal cases for the violation of the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165) had been dismissed in various courts in Metro Manila. Cases filed in the Pasig, Manila and Pasay City regional trial courts were dismissed because some arresting officers failed to appear in court. Ebdane noted that conflicting testimonies and recantation of police witnesses also resulted in the dismissal of some drug cases. His disclosure supports the criticism of Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno that members of the police force have been "deliberately bungling" drug cases. The most prominent among these drug cases involved three Chinese suspects--Li Chung Thai, Li Shiyu Chin and Tiu Siu. Their cases, which were being tried by Branch 119 of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court, were dropped after the arresting officers, SPO1 Jessie Barroga and SPO1 Florentino Tassava, recanted their testimonies in the affidavits of arrest they previously submitted. The PNP Directorate for Investigative and Detective Management is also investigating 254 policemen. These policemen are under investigation to determine their administrative or criminal liabilities for failing to attend the court proceedings. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth