Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Police office: Purging cops in karera is tough By Carlo P. Mallo
THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) admitted it has been having difficulty purging its ranks of those involved in the illegal gambling game "video karera."
In an interview Monday, DCPO Director Jaime Morente said the fastest way to cleanse their ranks of erring police officers is to relocate these people to different areas.
"It is very hard to catch them red-handed," Senor Superintendent Morente said.
Morente added they have received reports regarding some officials involved in the illegal gambling game.
"Although there is no concrete evidence yet, we will not take it lightly," Morente said.
He said that of the names reported, at least five police officers have already been reassigned either to a different police station within the city or to a provincial office in Southern Mindanao.
Morente refused to divulge the names of those reassigned.
Late last year, Police Regional Office-Southern Mindanao Chief Andres Caro II said there were at least four police officers in Davao City who were the subject of an investigation for their alleged involvement in the operation and or protection of the illegal "video karera."
Morente said transferring the erring officers is a bid to remove their influence on their respective areas of responsibility.
Due process
The city police director added that just the same with anything they do, due process has to be accorded to the police officers accused of involvement in the 'video karera' operations in the city.
"Even if they are transferred, it is not conclusive that they are guilty," Morente said.
Morente added it is quite difficult for them to actually apprehend red-handed the erring officers. "Unless there is a sting operation," Morente said.
The police chief, however, did not say why they have not staged any sting operation yet.
Five angels
Morente refused to comment on whether the officers who were already transferred to various places were members of a group dubbed as the "five angels."
According to reports obtained by Sun.Star Davao, the five angels are composed of police officers in the city with close links to high ranking politicians and who have been using these ties to operate their 'video karera' business.
