4 cops relieved over Taguig anti-drug operation

Four police officers have been relieved from their posts pending an investigation into an anti-illegal drugs operation in Lower Bicutan, Taguig City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

PNP Public Information Office Chief Col. Allen Rae Co said the four individuals initially reported to be men in civilian clothes were confirmed to be actual members of the police force.

Co said the operation stemmed from a report about a person allegedly using illegal drugs in the area.

“Nag-report ‘yung barangay sa station na meron gumagamit doon so ito ang naabutan nilang tao na nandun,” Co said.

“Merong nakuha sa kanya na allegedly may pipe or something na ginagamit sa marijuana,” he added.

According to the officers’ account, the person resisted arrest, prompting a crowd to gather and allegedly mob them.

They claimed they opted not to proceed with the arrest to prevent the situation from escalating.

“When they were able to effect the arrest of the person ay naglabasan daw ‘yung maraming tao, nakuyog sila. They chose to do it na peacefully, na hindi nila dinala kasi magkakagulo daw,” Co said.

However, Co said the officers would have to explain why they failed to bring the individual into custody despite the reported discovery.

“Kung meron kang nakitang krimen, it doesn’t matter kung kuyugin ka ng 5 or 100 tao. You have to do your duty. ‘Yun ang kailangan nilang sagutin sa PNP kaya they were relieved to pave the way for an impartial investigation,” he explained,

The PNP is also looking into the allegations of “hulidap,” or robbery under the guise of an arrest, as well as the circumstances surrounding the attempted apprehension.

Co said investigators would examine both sides of the incident, including whether the officers indeed recovered suspected drug paraphernalia and why the arrest was not completed.