House to probe sacking of Batangas cops

The House of Representatives will invite Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome to shed light on the relief of the entire Batangas PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT) for alleged involvement in nefarious activities.

Lanao del Norte Representative Vicente Belmonte, chairman of the committee on dangerous drugs, said the panel would extend an invitation to the PNP and other parties concerned as soon as Congress resumes sessions next week.

Several CIDG agents cried foul over their relief for their alleged involvement in “hulidap” and kidnapping cases.

“We need to know the details before we can define if there’s a need for an investigation in aid of legislation,” said Belmonte in a text message.

Bartolome reassigned the entire Batangas CIDT under Chief Inspector Jay Agcaoili to the Police Holding and Administrative Unit in Camp Crame, Quezon City, to ensure their presence in the investigation.

Last week, Bartolome ordered Calabarzon regional director Chief Superintendent James Melad and Intelligence Group director Chief Superintendent Charles Calima Jr. to look into reports that Batangas CIDT personnel had negotiated with the family of alleged drug offender Christina Rodriguez for her freedom in exchange for P1 million. Cynthia D. Balana