TACLOBAN CITY – A police officer is in hot water for allegedly planting evidence in a “sari-sari” (community) store in Limasawa, Southern Leyte, recently.
A video, which has been making rounds online, showed Police Corporal Ruel Arot, assigned to the Limasawa Police Station, allegedly planting cigarettes in a store owned by one Raniel Salomon after his alleged informant was able to buy a pack from him.
He was also caught issuing a citation ticket and reading Salomon's rights which he refused to sign.
Arot and Police Lt. John Michael Crispino, Limawasa chief of police, have been relieved to give way to an investigation by the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office.
Police Col. Hector Enage, Southern Leyte police director, said Arot will be assigned to the Provincial Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU).
Enage added that an administrative or criminal case will be filed against Arot if evidence warrants.
A special team of investigators from the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit (PIDMU) has been tasked to supervise the investigation.
Police Major Marjorie Manuta, regional public information officer, said the Police Regional Office-8 has not yet released a statement on the September 30 incident since they are still awaiting updates from the SLPPO.
Arot defended himself in media interviews and social media posts. "I did not, I am not overacting (OA) to get a search warrant...When you see someone illegally selling cigarettes, you can apprehend him," Arot said in an interview.
He added that they have received reports that Salomon has been selling cigarettes.