Ten policemen who joined the anti-illegal drugs operation in Laguna last month that left a two suspected drug pushers dead were charged with homicide in connection with the death of one of them who was a minor.
The complaint filed in the City Prosecutor’s Office against the ten policemen, including the head of the team of operatives from the Laguna PPO Intelligence Branch PCapt Fernando Credo, was based on the complaint-affidavit of the teenager’s mother.
The relatives of Antonio Dalit earlier decided not to pursue the case as they admitted that their slain kin was indeed a notorious drug pusher in Biñan City,
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Guillermo Lorenzo T Eleazar said that the filing of a homicide complaint against Laguna policemen is proof that the PNP does not set aside accusations of abuse or irregularity against its personnel. The same policemen were charged with administrative cases.
“I trust the wisdom of both the PRO4A Fact-Finding Team in its decision to file a criminal case and the IAS (Internal Affairs Service) in recommending the filing of administrative cases against the policemen who took part in the operation," said Eleazar.
"This is proof that the PNP will not shield its personnel. If there are allegations ten we will investigate and would even file cases if needed. I have repeatedly said that I will not tolerate police abuse in the organization,” Eleazar said.
He then urged the family and the public to allow the City Prosecutor to decide on the complaint.
"For now, Let us allow the City Prosecutor to appreciate the submitted evidence and facts of the incident,” the PNP Chief said.