Monday, September 24, 2007 2 cops face probe for failure to show up in hearings
THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) 7 is investigating two Talisay City policemen for their failure to attend a court hearing involving a drug case.
PO3s Rey A. Bucao and Almaquio A. Labita could be charged for possible serious neglect of duty.
Napolcom 7 Director Ber-nardo R. Calibo ordered a pre-charge investigation on the two after Regional Trial Court Branch 15 Judge Fortunato de Gracia Jr. wrote him last Aug. 31.
De Gracia was not satisfied with the reasons the two policemen gave on why they did not show up to testify against Clito S. Abellana for possession of illegal drugs.
3 days
Bucao and Labita also failed to inform the court that they could not make it to the hearing.
Abellana was accused of violating Section 11, Article 2 of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Napolcom lawyer Hernani A. Espina was given three days to come up with a recommendation on whether or not a probable cause exists to warrant a summary dismissal proceeding against the two policemen.
Early last month, Calibo met with Judges de Gracia, Gabriel Ingles and Ramon Daomilas Jr. to address the problem on policemen who do not attend hearings on drug-related cases.
Assistance
Meanwhile, the Napolcom and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)– Cebu City Chapter agreed to provide free legal assistance and para-legal training to policemen.
Calibo and seven other Napolcom lawyers met with IBP-Cebu City Chapter president Briccio Joseph Boholst at the Mandaue City Hall last Sept. 20.
During the meeting, Boholst acceded to strengthen the existing IBP legal aid program and work out a system on how police officers facing “harassment cases” can avail themselves of it.
Although some terms are still being ironed out, Calibo and Boholst hoped to start the volunteer program as soon as possible. (JST)
