SIX MEMBERS of the Manila Police District (MPD) were charged in court Tuesday after they failed to show up in court to testify for the prosecution in several cases filed by authorities against drug suspects.
The charges of violation of Section 91 of the Dangerous Drugs Act were filed with the Manila Regional Trial Court by the MPD General Assignments Section.
Section 91 seeks imprisonment of 12 to 20 years or a fine of P500,000 for law enforcers who, despite notification, fail to show up as prosecution witnesses in drug cases, either intentionally or by negligence.
Based on the complaint, Police Officers 3 Ernesto Hetigan, Dennis Insierto and PO2 Cedric Altea failed to testify in the “People vs. Romulo Malunday case” which resulted in its dismissal.
The failure of PO2 Fernan de Jesus to appear during the hearings for the “People vs. Joseph Clemente” case also led to the case being dismissed. Also charged were SPO2 Julius Payoyo and PO1 Daniel Miram.