Pubdate: Sun, 11 Jan 2004
Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines)
Contact:  http://www.mb.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/906
Author: Mark Ivan Roblas

DEATH PENALTY PROPOSED FOR DRUGLORD, PROTECTORS

Negros Occidental Rep. Apolinario Lozada has proposed that suspected drug 
trafficker William Gan and his alleged protectors from the Philippine 
National Police (PNP) be executed by lethal injection upon conviction.

Lozada said the erring police officials should be meted this punishment for 
violating their sacred task to protect the people against criminal elements.

"Their sacred task is to protect the people against criminal elements and 
yet they are the ones protecting the enemy of the state and the people," 
Lozada said. "Is this their definition of their vow to protect and to serve 
the Filipino people?"

Lozada said the police officers involved in drug trafficking should top the 
list of convicts in death row to impress upon the citizenry that the 
government is keen on punishing erring government officials.

"Police officers who have been found guilty of involvement in illegal drugs 
should top the list of convicts in death row," he said.

Lozada said the revelation of Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay that 
top cops protect Gan is very disheartening and demoralizing, particularly, 
for the policemen who are campaigning against illegal drugs.

He also urged the PNP to secure Gan and prevent his escape.

"Gan's escape from maximum security cell and flight to other country is 
highly probable. He has millions to pay his guards and police officials. He 
can even get away with his crime since he has lots of money to pay his 
defense attorney," the legislator said.

Lozada said Aglipay should now name the officials allegedly protecting Gan.

"If the police is quick to identify even suspected criminals, they should 
be as quick in identifying the police officers protecting underworld 
characters," he said.

Lozada said Aglipay should immediately unmask police officers allegedly 
protecting Gan.

"The people, particularly the families who have been shattered by the 
illegal drug menace and the men and women in the police force who have put 
their lives on the line to ensure a drug-free society, have the right to 
know the identities of these hooligans in uniforms," he said.

Lozada said the arrest, imprisonment and death of the police officers via 
lethal injection will boost the morale of the policemen and women who have 
been fighting the illegal drug problem.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman