PNP-IAS conducts own probe of police exec’s drugs involvement

Supt. Lito Cabamongan. Photo by Dexter Cabalza

The Philippine National Police’s Internal Affairs Service (PNP IAS) is conducting a motu proprio (on its own) investigation into the involvement of Supt. Lito Cabamongan, the Muntinlupa Crime Laboratory chief, in illegal drugs.

Immediately after his arrest last Friday, the police investigating body launched an investigation, according to IAS Inspector General Atty, Alfegar Triambulo.

“Any form of involvement in illegal drugs by our police personnel is treated with utmost gravity,” Triambulo.

“IAS will continue to act promptly in conducting investigations on cases involving our police officers as we support the PNP institutions’ intensified internal cleansing campaign,” Triambulo said.

Once finished, Triambulo said the IAS will make recommendations on the case to the office of PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa

“We will submit our reports and recommendations on the case to the Office of the Chief PNP in the earliest possible time as we commit to dispense of the mandate of our service in the most expedient and efficient manner possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa ordered the PNP’s Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to account for all evidence of drugs seized in operations under the custody of the Crime Laboratory.

“I am directing the director of the DIDM to conduct inventory sa lahat ng ebidensya na nasa custody ng Crime Lab. I-check niyo, sir at baka mamaya puro tawas na lang,” Dela Rosa said.

This after Cabamongan’s arrest while in a drug session raised speculations that policemen are still recycling or re-selling the drugs they confiscate in operations.

Cabamongan was caught sniffing suspected “shabu” with a woman in a shanty community in Las Piñas last Friday. He tested positive for drug use. JE/rga