The Philippine National Police (PNP) has relieved the regional head of its Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) in Central Visayas in connection with the alleged kidnapping and torture of two people in Cebu.
97 PDEG personnel relieved so far as strict vetting process continues
At a glance
A total of 97 personnel of the Drug Enforcement Group of the Philippine National Police, or PDEG, were sacked from their posts in the continuing cleansing of the unit amid the recent controversy involving recycling and pilferage of confiscated illegal drugs.
PDEG deputy chief for Administration Col. Marlou Martinez said those relieved were sacked even over simple offenses as part of the move to ensure the integrity of the unit.
"It's a big number... We can safely say that the background check and study are continuous," said Martinez.
He said all the 1,300 PDEG personnel are currently under review as part of the order of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda to implement a strict vetting process for all police anti-narcotics operatives.
The recent PDEG personnel to be relieved were six of its personnel in Central Visayas, including the regional chief, in connection with the alleged kidnapping and torture of two people in Cebu.
PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said the regional PDEG chief of Central Visayas was sacked for failure to properly supervise six of his men who were accused of abducting and torturing a couple whom they accused of being involved in illegal drugs activities in Cebu.
“Immediately after the report was received, those involved were relieved and the PDEG director (in Region 7) immediately coordinated with the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to gather more pieces of evidence so that they could conduct their own investigation,” said Fajardo.
The incident, according to Fajardo, happened on March 26.
Four PDEG operatives in Region 7 were already slapped with criminal charges in connection with the incident.
Fajardo said those sacked are now under restrictive custody.