Arrested cop to answer drug raps

A MEMBER of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Davao Region who tested positive for illegal drugs is set to answer the complaints filed against him before the CIDG headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The policeman (name withheld) was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Talomo police. He will face administrative case for grave misconduct after he failed to answer the accusations against him on the set period.

Senior Superintendent Albert Ignatius D. Ferro, CIDG regional director, said under the rule of the Philippine National Police (PNP), administrative disciplinary authorities are not mandated to strictly follow the rules of the court.

Lawyer Jennifer M. Melendez-Penaflor, counsel of the respondent, in a motion dated May 4, requested CIDG in Camp Crame for a 10-day extension on the filing of her client's answer.

The motion for extension of time to file answer was granted on June 5, signed by Inspector Rodolfo I. Urbano, Summary Hearing Officer Disciplinary Authority of CIDG-Davao Region.

Aside from the administrative charges, the respondent is also facing charges before the court for violation of Section 5 (Distribution and Transportation of Dangerous Drugs), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and Section 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs) of Article 2 of the Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (ICT)