CEBU CITY – The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) is investigating an incident in Argao town, Cebu where two houses were ransacked by at least 10 persons who identified themselves as agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement-Central Visayas (PDEA-7).
Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, chief of PRO-7, has issued an order that charges should be filed if proven that PDEA-7 agents or policemen were involved in the incident, said Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Aberin.
The PDEA-7 has denied conducting an anti-illegal operation in Argao on the day that the two houses were ransacked.
“We want to clarify that PDEA RO (Regional Office) VII did not have any anti-illegal drug operations in Barangay Taloot, Argao, Cebu, and that all our personnel were accounted for on that date. We strongly condemn this blatant act of violence and harassment to the residents of Barangay Taloot, Argao, Cebu, and the unscrupulous use of the name of PDEA RO VII,” the agency said in a statement.
The PDEA-7 said it immediately coordinated with the Argao police after receiving the report.
The agency added that a team of investigators was immediately formed and coordinated with residents in the area.
“We assure the public that we are working closely with the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) in the ongoing investigation to unmask those behind this reprehensible act and to deter similar incidents in the future. We also thank the Argao MPS and CPPO for the immediate response to the reports,” said the PDEA-7.
The PDEA-7 also asked the public to report to police stations or to its office any incident of harassment from individuals claiming to be members of the agency.
Such incidents may be reported to PDEA-7’s Investigation and Intelligence Section through mobile number 09395788775.