Pubdate: Sat, 23 Apr 2005
Source: Visayan Daily Star (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Visayan Daily Star
Contact:  http://www.visayandailystar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1688
Author: Gilbert Bayoran
Cited: Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency http://www.pdea.gov.ph
Cited: Philippine National Police http://www.pnp.gov.ph
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

COPS INVOLVED IN 'BUNGLING' CASES INCREASING - PNP

The number of policemen in Western Visayas found to have allegedly
bungled drug-related offenses they had filed in court rose to 12, the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, said.

PDEA regional director Rolen Balquin yesterday said they are now
preparing the criminal charges to be filed against the 12 policemen,
four of whom are assigned in Negros Occidental. The have violated
Section 92 of Republic Act 9165, he explained.

However, the names of the four policemen being investigated for
similar offenses, are not available as of this time, he said.

Balquin told the DAILY STAR that six of them were already
administratively charged for dereliction of duty, while similar
complaints are also being readied against the six others.

Region 6 police chief Doroteo Reyes, said there will be no mercy for
PNP personnel involved in bungling drug-related cases.

PDEA records showed that 66 drug-related cases in Western Visayas have
been dismissed and nine were junked last year by the different courts
in Negros Occidental.

Balquin said they are reviewing other drug-related offenses, which had
earlier been dismissed by the court.

Government prosecutors in Negros Occidental were complaining over the
non-availability of police witnesses in the prosecution of drug
offenders, that had contributed to the dismissal of drug-related
offenses in the past.

Records of the Negros Occidental police also showed that 55 of the 360
drug-related offenses filed in 2003 and 2004, were dismissed by courts.

Balquin said six to 12 years of imprisonment awaits policeman found
guilty of bungling drug cases, aside from their dismissal from police
service. 
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