CIDG to probe arrest of journo over mistaken identity

MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will investigate possible lapses in the arrest of a veteran community journalist over mistaken identity, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde said Monday.

“I have directed the director of the CIDG to investigate it…Tinitingnan natin ‘yung lapses dito para hindi na maulit itong bagay na ito (We are looking at the lapses so that this will not be repeated),” he said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Albayalde was referring to the arrest of Margarita Valle, 61, at the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental at around 10:30 a.m. Sunday. She was placed under the custody of the CIDG Region 9 in Pagadian City but was released at about 9:30 p.m., ending her 11-hour ordeal with the police.

READ: CIDG frees journalist, admitting ‘case of mistaken identity’

Valle, whose full name is Fedelina Margarita Avellanosa Valle, was mistaken for Elsa Renton — also known as Tina Maglaya and Fidelina Margarita Valle — a suspected member of the communist movement wanted for arson and multiple murder with quadruple frustrated murder, and damage to government property.

Both Albayalde and Corpus said the operation was launched based on information from a tipster and after being referred by their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Albayalde said the ground officers launched the arrest because they were probably “convinced” of the identity of Valle.

“Kasi kung hindi naman natin ginawa ‘yan, then baka mamaya makawala na naman ‘yung tao at siya talaga yung tao at nakawala, then problema rin (If we had not done it and she is the real culprit and she escaped, that would be a problem too),” he said.

The police officials did not issue an apology during the press briefing, but Albayalde said that if Valle feels that her rights were violated, the PNP is willing to assist her.

Albayalde said the PNP will also not hesitate to file charges against its own personnel if found to have violated standard operating procedures during the arrest.

He added that Valle’s arrest over mistaken identity is an isolated case and was “very rare.” (Editor: Eden Estopace)