Pubdate: Sun, 01 Aug 2004
Source: Manila Standard (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 Manila Standard
Contact:  http://www.manilastandardonline.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3450
Author: Jing Villamente

4 COPS CAUGHT DUMPING CORPSE CHARGED

Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes yesterday ordered the filing of kidnapping 
with murder charges against four Metro Manila policemen and a civilian 
caught dumping the corpse of a man in Calamba City, Laguna Friday.

A statement from Malacanang yesterday condemned the killing and ordered a 
speedy investigation of the case.

To be charged are PO2 Marcelino Taduyo and PO1s Reynaldo Saronel and Ramil 
Marqueta of the Pasay City police, PO2 Cenon Carolino of the Guadalupe 
police community precinct in Makati City and his brother Pablito.

Local policemen caught the five, in a white Mitsubishi L300 FB (XGL-397), 
with the handcuffed body of Gilbert Garcia at Calamba Hill, Barangay 
Barandal at 12:05 a.m.

Seized from them were two .45-cal. and 9mm pistols, magazines, seven 
bullets, two cellphones and keys.

Garcia, whose neck was found tied with a nylon cord, was a suspect in the 
killing of PO1 Jesus Tatel of the Pasay police. Investigators suspect the 
policemen avenged Tatel's death.

"It is high time that we get rid of policemen whose nefarious activities 
taint the image of the Philippine National Police," Reyes said.

In Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye said President 
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo "has already ordered the speedy investigation and 
prosecution of those involved in this barbaric act."

"Salvaging has no place in a civilized society where we value human life 
and protect human rights. Further, it demeans the uniform and is a surefire 
recipe for others taking the law in their own hands," Bunye added.

7 Cops In Extort

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office yesterday presented 
one of seven policemen accused of extorting from three suspected drug users 
in Sampaloc, Manila.

NCRPO commander Ricardo de Leon presented at Western Police District 
Station 4 Insp. Alfredo David and his accusers: Edward Batac, 34; Sonny 
Saguse, 28; and Niel Guiyang, 27.

The accusers, reportedly caught during a pot session, said David and his 
men demanded P500,000 in exchange for their freedom.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart