The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed administrative and criminal charges against a barangay captain in Kalinga province who led at least 150 local residents to prevent five suspected marijuana cultivator from being taken to a police station in Tinglayan town.
A case of Grave Misconduct was slapped against Leon Baydon, incumbent barangay captain of Buscalan in Tinglayan town before the Office of The Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz said criminal charges were also filed against Baydon for violation of Presidential Decree 1829 (Obstruction of Justice) before the Provincial Prosecutors Office, Justice Hall Bulanao, Tabuk City.
Cruz said the charges stemmed from the operation of the PNP Regional Mobile Force Battalion 1502nd Maneuver Company on a marijuana plantation in Barangay Buscalan on April 25 wherein they arrested five marijuana cultivators.
He said that while the cops and the five arrested suspects were on their way to the police station, they were blocked by at least 150 men all armed with bolo. The group, he said, was led by Baydon.
"They were all armed with bolos and forcibly took the five arrested suspects," said Cruz.
The policemen reportedly decided to let go of the suspects to prevent bloodshed.
"The filing of these cases against Baydon is proof that the CIDG does not choose to whom the law should be enforced. Whatever their status, position, or affinity to whomever, the CIDG will make them accountable for their crimes," said Cruz.