Pubdate: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 Source: Sunstar Iloilo (Philippines) Copyright: 2005 Sunstar Iloilo. Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2986 Author: Jay Dooma Balnig and Ruby Silubrico Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?236 (Corruption - Outside U.S.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines CITY WANTS COPS' RECORDS CHECKED ILOILO City Councilor Erwin Plagata wants a full background check on the records of the 34 policemen who will comprise Task Group Bakhaw. The group was formed to eradicate the problem on illegal drugs not only in Barangay Bakhaw but in other parts of the city as well. Plagata, chairman of the Iloilo City Council committee on police matters, claimed that there should be a thorough record checking of the policemen, including its leader, Chief Inspector Julio Gustilo, to ensure that the credibility of the policemen assigned there is unblemished. This, after Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. exposed that several policemen allegedly receive P15,000 to 20,000 a month from drug lords in Barangay Bakhaw. Meanwhile, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Director Norlito Bautista assured the public that the policemen who will be assigned in the task force were selected based on their credible background. "Those who have been selected have no negative records. Our men will be assigned in the place to eradicate drugs," Bautista said. Bautista submitted the names of the Task Group Bakhaw personnel to Plagata so that his committee can evaluate them. "In case he has comments, we will omit their names." The activities of the personnel will be monitored if they are in cohorts with pushers. If they are, they will be made liable. The 34 personnel are: Chief Inspector Julio Gustilo (team leader), Inspector Kim Panisa Legada (deputy), officers Beltran Mones, Rosalio Ramos, Samuel Macarita, Hector Quiambao, Edwin Celis, Josefino Baruca, Reynaldo Tanchico, Jason Piamonte, Gildo Solivan, Dexter Sevilla, Basilio Rojo, Hagmay Dignadice, Christopher Benitez, Henry Po, Jun Porras, Mario Hortillas, Isidro, Bimbo Miranda, Richie Dequito, Emilie Rose Garcia, John Serra, Emmanuel Decripito, Igmidio Cristobal, Aron Ami, Wilfredo Tagle, Raul Romero III, Remy Laudato, Mark Bedosillo, Julius dela Gente, Alvin Yanson, Richie Tenegra and Rommel Gicaro. The task force is expected to be temporarily housed at the barangay hall. Barangay Chairman Jorge Duron of Bakhaw, Mandurriao, clarified that the installation of said detachment is an offshoot of their barangay resolution requesting the City Government to provide such satellite station. In their Barangay Resolution 29-2005, it was stated that Barangay Bakhaw was cited as one of the distinguished areas of Iloilo City with prevalent trafficking of prohibited drugs. It added that the creation of a police detachment will curtail such illegalities. They are waiting for the signing of a memorandum of agreement of Mayor Jerry Trenas, Barangay Chairman Duron and Iloilo City Police Office Director Norlito Bautista. The group's operations will kick off on September 3 after the City Council and Mayor Trenas approve the temporary conversion. Meanwhile, Bautista said his men are ready and have their corresponding tasking especially on the demand reduction and supply reduction drive. They also have the names of the drug pushers. "They will be conducting check points, actual operation and intelligence operation. Likewise, there's a group that will conduct a pulong-pulong or an information drive in relation to the demand reduction drive," he said. - ---