Pubdate: Sat, 10 Jul 2004
Source: People's Journal (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 People's Journal
Contact: http://www.journal.com.ph/contactus.asp
Website: http://www.journal.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3381
Authors: Mia B. Billones and Renato G. Quilicol

WPD ANTI-DRUG CHIEF DENIES HE WAS SACKED

WESTERN Police District anti-drug unit chief Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo Jr.
yesterday cried foul over reports that he had been sacked as the result of
his men's alleged abduction of a Filipino-Chinese couple in Sta. Cruz,
Manila, last week.

"Why should I be relieved when I am not being investigated at all. My name
has not been linked to the controversy so my reported relief was baseless.
Gen. Pedro Bulaong asked me some questions about the issue and he gave me a
chance to clear my name," Pedrozo said.

Pedrozo added the reports are unfair and malicious which he stressed only
tend to discredit him in public.

The embattled official said that he is always under attack since he holds a
very sensitive post.

"I am ready to face anyone or anything that they will hurl against me
provided they have strong evidence to support their accusations. But if they
file charges against me based on mere hearsay, then, the more reasons for me
to fight them up to my last breath," Pedrozo said.

To erase suspicions that he is tolerating his men, Pedrozo revealed that he
has already expressed his cooperation to whatever investigation that would
be conducted against them.

Pedrozo assured that photos of operatives allegedly involved in illegal
operations will be shown to the victims for identification.
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