Mayor seeks probe of cops protecting drug gangs

DIGOS CITY—Mayor Joseph Peñas on Tuesday urged the Philippine National Police to investigate reports that some law enforcers are protecting illegal drugs and illegal numbers syndicates in Davao del Sur province.

“If the reports are true, then their alleged involvement in protecting these illegal activities could be the reason our antidrugs and antigambling efforts are not succeeding,” the mayor said.

He said “good policemen” reported the involvement of some police officers in illegal activities.

Peñas said he was scheduled to meet with Davao del Sur

Gov. Claude Bautista to discuss the matter.

Earlier, Bautista said that aside from law enforcers, some officials tasked with the prosecution of drugs and gambling cases are involved in irregularities.

Bautista said police had been complaining that their antidrugs and antigambling efforts are being laid to waste.

“We believe we have airtight cases, but it’s disheartening to find out later that our efforts are wasted,” one police officer said.

Bautista said he also wanted to find out why some suspects appear to be given the kid-glove treatment by the police. Eldie Aguirre, Inquirer Mindanao