Pubdate: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines) Copyright: 2005 Sunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991 Note: also listed for feedback Author: Raquel C. Bagnol and Ben O. Tesiorna 2 COPS SEEN WITH 'DRUG LORDS' DAVAO CITY -- Two city policemen will have to explain within 72 hours to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte why they were seen escorting suspected drug lords during social functions and gatherings. "Kamong duha ka pulis (You two policemen), you know who you are. I am giving you 72 hours to come and explain nganong naga-escort mo ug mga alleged drug lords (why you are escorting alleged drug lords) in the city," the mayor said. He said the two policemen (whom he refused to name) were not even officially assigned to serve as bodyguards to anyone. "I know of some policemen who were tasked to act as escorts to some businessmen because of threats but these two are not officially assigned to escort anyone. I need them to explain why," the mayor said. He added that the chief of police will be the one to inform these two policemen but, if they will not come to him to explain why they are acting as escorts, he will be forced to seek them out. "If you will not come to me I will come to you and I will let you explain why you acted as escorts in front of your wife and kids," Duterte said in the vernacular. Duterte said the two policemen were escorting the suspected drug lords before the December 31 raid at a shabu laboratory in Dumoy, although the mayor did not say if the two were seen escorting drug suspect Allan Sy or someone else. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 11 director Superintendent Wilkins Villanueva earlier admitted there were several businessmen and popular personalities seen visiting the Sy residence before the Dumoy raid. He did not mention anything about the two policemen, however. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth