PNP widens probe into sale of narcotics seized by cops
AFP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police is conducting a deeper probe to determine if more policemen were involved in the “recycling” or sale of illegal drugs seized in police operations, following the arrest of the CIDG head in Pampanga.
Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong, CIDG director, said at least two senior police officials and other police non-commissioned officers of the CIDG were also being linked to “agaw bato,” a modus operandi of unscrupulous policemen selling prohibited drugs confiscated in legitimate sting operations.
He declined to say, however, where the CIDG personnel being investigated were assigned so as not to preempt the investigation.
“We are investigating other CIDG agents who could be involved in the same modus of (Chief Insp. Bienvenido) Reydado. It’s now a matter of gathering evidence against them,” Magalong told reporters.
A bemedaled police officer, Reydado was immediately sacked as head of the CIDG unit in Pampanga after he was arrested by his fellow CIDG operatives right inside his office at Camp Tomas Pepito in Angeles City on Monday.
Reydado, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class 1991, was arrested for allegedly selling at least 26 kilograms which he and his subordinates had seized in drug busts last year.
“We’re sending a very strong message to all personnel of the CIDG and other PNP units that they should not engage in illegal activities,” Magalong said.
He designated Chief Insp. Heryl Bruno as acting chief of the CIDG Pampanga. Senior Supt. Michael Fernandez was appointed chief of CIDG Central Luzon, replacing Senior Supt. Victor Valencia, who was also relieved of his post on the basis of command responsibility.
On the strength of a search warrant issued by a Quezon City court, agents of the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Division from Camp Crame led by Supt. Alexander Tagum raided the office of Reydado and recovered assorted firearms.
In a separate operation, CIDG-National Capital Region Office personnel raided the group’s alleged safehouse in Barangay Panginay in Balagtas town, Bulacan province, and arrested six civilian agents of the CIDG.
Arrested were cousins Albert and Eric Reydado, Pedrito Tadeo, Adriano Laurete, Edwardson Sisracon and Arnold Sanggalang.
Recovered from them were five high-powered firearms, 11 handguns, a rifle grenade, assorted ammunition and P2.6 million in cash believed to be proceeds from drugs sold.
The raiding teams also confiscated five sports utility vehicles and two motorcycles which the suspects allegedly used in their illicit operations.
Magalong said charges of drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms had been filed against the suspects.
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