Who mishandled ‘Alabang Boys’ evidence, Robredo wants to know

MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said Saturday it was important to determine who was accountable for bungling the evidence in the drug case against the so-called “Alabang Boys”.

“Importante na ma-klaro ang accountability. Saan nagkamali? Sino ang nagkamali [It is important to clearly pinpoint accountability. Where was the mistake? Who got it wrong]?” Robredo said. He was here as a guest at the proclamation of the Sta. Monica Church as a national cultural treasure.

Robredo, whose agency has administrative control over the Philippine National Police, was concerned with the repercussions of sloppy evidence handling and investigation.

“Ang hindi po maaari  magkalimutan na lang. Kasi po kung nagkalimutan na lang, baka po ang mangyayari ngayon tuwing may drug case eh, hindi ko sinasabing sinasadya, pero puedeng sadyain kahit po may sapat na ebidensya. Hindi isasaayos ang proseso, madidismiss ang kaso [We cannot simply forget this because – I am not saying they did it intentionally – but whenever we have a drug case with adequate evidence people might intentionally bungle the process  so that the case would be dismissed],”  he said.

He said the mishandling of evidence and misconduct in investigation were not expected because the protocols were clear and strict, citing the requirement to have barangay (village) officials and media representatives present during the serving of arrest warrants.

Robredo said the “procedural flaws” in the “Alabang boys” case should be studied.

He noted that the judge did not say whether the accused were guilty or innocent. “Sinabi lang na hindi magkatugma-tugma ang proseso sa pagtipon ng ebidensya [The judge said only that the procedure in gathering evidence was not followed],” he said.