No Special treatment for erring cops and local officials

For their determination and vigorous pursuit for justice, DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento praised the Philippine National Police (PNP) for their apprehension of barangay officials and a local policeman who were allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade and other criminal activities.

In Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, the PNP-CIDG was able to arrest PO3 Andres Supan who now faces charges of extortion and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. According to PNP Provincial Director Manuel Cornel, Supan was nabbed after the successful entrapment operation by CIDG Nueva Ecija, Cabiao MPS and SOU, PIB-NEPPO.

Meanwhile in Bulacan, an operation initiated by PNP - Marilao and spearheaded by Police Superintendent Lalaine Amparo led to the capture of PO2 Sermie Badiango and PO3 Rino PIzares, who are primary suspects in the murder of a certain Arthur Herrera last November 25.

In the province of Tarlac, the Tarlac City Police apprehended 17 people, including Dennis Macapinlac, a chief tanod of Barangay Sto. Cristo. According to Police Senior Superintendent Alex Sintin, operatives were able to confiscate several grams of shabu and unlicensed firearms.

Sarmiento has reminded the public that the DILG does not give any special treatment to their uniformed personnel or police officers who have been found to violate the laws, which they are mandated to enforce.

“They should be the ones setting the example in obeying and enforcing the laws. The DILG will not have second-thoughts in imposing appropriate penalties to violators,” he said. (DILG/PCOO News Release)