Pubdate: Mon, 16 Aug 2004 Source: Manila Times (Philippines) Copyright: 2004, The Manila Times Contact: http://www.manilatimes.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1161/a07.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?236 (Corruption - Outside U.S.) TAGUIG MAYOR PRESSES CHARGES VS. 'ARBOR' COPS Mayor Freddie R. Tinga of Taguig on Sunday ordered the filing of charges against operatives of the Regional Special Action Unit (RSAU) who stormed the Taguig police station early Saturday morning after their "request" for the release of two arrested drug pushers was turned down. The RSAU is under the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO). RSAU also held at gunpoint and used as a human shield a member of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) in the firefight that ensued between them and Taguig policemen. Tinga said that "all erring cops involved in this incident must be properly charged." Insp. Cleto Seriosa, Taguig Investigation chief, said the siege of the Taguig police station occurred at about 12:10 a.m. Saturday. The Times learned that two RSAU "emissaries" had requested Taguig's Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) to release arrested drug pushers Kahar T. Goldy, 27, and Benjamin J. Usman, 49, in exchange for P18,000. "Gusto nilang arborin ang mga suspects [They wanted us to give them a favor, that is, to not charge the suspects and release them]," a Taguig policeman, who asked not to be named, said. Police Officer 1 Ladislao C. Nuguid, 27, a member of RSAU-NCRPO, and Nasser M. Tayuan, 30, a civilian assigned at CPI-UBC, showed up at the police station and tried to bribe DEU personnel, prompting the DEU police to arrest them and confiscate the P18,000 bribe money. At this point 30 armed companions of the arrested RSAU members stormed the police station upon the order of their head, Lt. Jess Merilo. They locked the main door of the municipal hall. No one was reported injured in the 10-minute firefight, which was stopped when senior officers of both camps intervened. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D