Sacked Calabarzon police chief defends ‘Coplan Armado’

Chief Superintendent James Melad. INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines—Even if disapproved, “Coplan Armado” will still push through because approval from the Presidential Anti-Organize Crime Commission (PAOCC) was for funding purposes only, Chief Superintendent James Melad, former Regional Director for Region IV-A of Calabarzon said Wednesday.

Melad who was sacked by President Benigno Aquino III, went to the National Bureau of Investigation to give his statement on the shooting incident in Atimonan, Quezon early this month where 13 people were killed.

The former head of the Calabarzon police on Wednesday said that “Coplan Armado” targeted “jueteng” and illegal drug operators in Southern Luzon. It was signed by Superintendent Hansel Marantan, chief of intelligence of Calabarzon police. He was the only one injured among the police during the incident.

“I signed the case operational plan and it was submitted [by Marantan] to PAOCC for possible funding,” Melad said.

“[But] the disapproval is only on the portion of funding. On operation, go pa rin (it’s still a go),” Melad told reporters at a press conference.

Melad said he approved the operation because it was part of their stepped up drive against criminal elements especially that the May 2013 elections is just a few months away.