Pubdate: Mon, 04 Jul 2005
Source: Mindanao Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Mindanao Times.
Contact:  http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2980
Author: JGD
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Execution
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Davao+Death+Squad
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

CAMPAIGN VS ILLEGAL DRUGS TO CONTINUE, VOWS BILLONES

CHIEF Supt. Antonio Billones, Regional Police Office director, assured
the public that the campaign against illegal drugs will not be
hampered by the suspension of four police officers for six months.

Billones told the Mindanao Times that law enforcement agencies in the
region will continue to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs.

"I believe the members of the PNP (Philippine National Police) would
understand that the fate of the four officers is part of the job.  We
didn't expect it to happen.  They will continue to work and do their
job and cooperate with each other," he said.

Earlier, the Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement
Agencies for suspended for top officials of the Davao City Police
Office (DCPO), including former DCPO director Conrado Laza, for
failing to failure to prevent and to stop summary killings.

Billones lamented that the four police officers were suspended even
when the DCPO was cited twice as Oustanding City Police Office on the
national level under Laza.

"It implied that they (suspended police officers) were not only good
in the operation but also in the administration, because that was the
basis of the national police headquarters.  It was also validated by
the Internal Affairs Service and the team from the PNP in Camp Crame
composed of star-rank officers.  It showed that the DCPO fulfilled its
mandated mission" he said.

Billiones said the PNP is extending legal assistance to the
beleaguered police officers. 
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